He then entered the house, followed by Cora.
They found Rose still in the front hall, where they had left her a few minutes before. She was seated in one of the oak chairs wiping her eyes. She had not seen the approaching procession with the burden they carried. And of course she had not heard their silent movements.
She looked up in surprise at the re-entrance of Cora and Sylvan.
"Oh!" she exclaimed "Have you forgotten anything? So glad to see you back, even for half a minute. For, after all, I couldn't see you drive away. I just shut the door and flung myself into this chair to have a good cry. Can't you put off your journey now, just for to-night and start to-morrow? You will have to do it anyhow. You can't catch the 6:30 express now," she added, coming toward them.
"We shall not attempt it, Rose," said Sylvan, in a kinder tone than he usually used in speaking to her.
"I am so glad," she said, but her further words were arrested by the grave looks of the young man.
"What is the matter with you?" she suddenly inquired.
"There has been an accident, Rose. Not fatal, my dear, so don't be frightened. My grandfather has been thrown from his carriage and stunned. But he has recovered consciousness, and they are bringing him home a deal shaken, but not in serious danger."
While Sylvan spoke, Rose gazed at him in perfect silence, with her blue eyes widening. When he finished, she asked:
"How did it happen?"