The church clock struck nine as she entered the High Street in Dornton, and the same sound fell faintly on Anna’s ears on her way back from Alderbury. The picnic had been over long ago, but, shortly after the party started to return, one of the horses lost a shoe; the carriage in which Anna was had to proceed at a slow walk for the rest of the distance, and it would be very late before she could reach Waverley.
No accident, however, could damp her spirits, or those of her companions. It was all turned into amusement and fun. The whole day had been more delightful than any Anna had known. It was over now, that delightful day, and she gave a little sigh of regret to think that she was at the end of it instead of at the beginning. The one shadow which had fallen across the brightness of it, had been cast by the substantial figure of Mrs Winn, whom she had seen in the distance now and then. Once she had noticed her in earnest conversation with Mrs Palmer, and thought that they had both looked in her direction, but it had been easy to avoid contact with her amongst so many people. It had not spoiled her enjoyment then; but now, her excitement a little cooled down, unpleasant thoughts began to make themselves heard.
Here was the Rectory at last! Anna burst into the drawing-room, her fair hair falling in confusion over her shoulders, a large bundle of foxgloves in her arms, her cheeks bright with the cool night breeze.
“Oh, aunt!” she exclaimed, “we’ve had such a lovely, lovely day. Why didn’t you come?”
“You’re very late, my dear Anna,” said Mrs Forrest, gravely. “I expected you more than an hour ago.”
Anna explained the reason of her delay.
“Alderbury is the most perfect place,” she repeated. “Why didn’t you come?”
“It’s very unlucky that you should be late,” said Mrs Forrest. “Delia has been over asking for you.”
Anna’s face fell. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “My grandfather! Is he worse?”
“I don’t think so. And from what I learned from Dr Hunt, he is not at all seriously ill. But he was restless, Delia said, and wanted to see you to-night.”