It was near eleven o'clock when she looked up and saw Colonel Thornton's carriage approaching the cottage.
"There! I said so! I knew Marian had remained with Miss Thornton, and that they would bring her home this morning. I suppose Colonel Thornton and his sister are both with her! And now for the revelation! I wonder what it is," said Edith, smiling to herself, as she arose and stroked down her dress, and smoothed her ringlets, preparatory to meeting her guests.
By this time the carriage had drawn up before the cottage gate. Edith went out just in time to see the door opened, and Miss Thornton alight. The lady was alone—that Edith saw at the first glance.
"What can be the meaning of this?" she asked herself, as she went forward to welcome her visitor.
But Miss Thornton was very pale and tremulous, and she acted altogether strangely.
"How do you do, Miss Thornton? I am very glad to see you," said Edith, cordially offering her hand.
But the lady seized it, and drew her forcibly towards the door, saying in a husky voice:
"Come in—come in!"
Full of surprise, Edith followed her.
"Sit down," she continued, sinking into a chair, and pointing to a vacant one by her side.