The message in reply informed her that Linley had received a telegram announcing Randal's return from London.

He had gone to the railway station to meet his brother.
Before she went downstairs to welcome Randal, Mrs.Linley paused to consider her situation.

The one alternative before her was to acknowledge at the first opportunity that she had assumed the serious responsibility of sending for Sydney Westerfield.

For the first time in her life, Catherine Linley found herself planning beforehand what she would say to her husband.
A second message interrupted her, announcing that the two brothers had just arrived.

She joined them in the drawing-room.
Linley was sitting in a corner by himself.