He had not known of our non-arrival till late in the evening, and, but for his confidence in Giles, would have set off even then.

As it was, he had sent a messenger to Hunter's Hall, and was himself starting for the Grange.
"Mary sent me out of the room while she spoke to him, at which I was not over well pleased.

She told him all about the fright we had had, and that, unless its cause were explained, it would certainly leave an uncomfortable feeling in her mind, and that, considering our father's invalid state, till she had talked it over with our mother she could not come to the decision she had hoped.
"'It may end in our taking Hunter's Hall,' she said, 'though the Grange is far more suitable.' "Mr.Turner was concerned and perplexed.

But Mary talked too sensibly to incline him to make light of it.
"'It is very unfortunate,' he said; 'and I promised an answer to the other party by post this evening.

And you say, Miss Berkeley, that Mrs.
Atkins heard it too.