"My darling," he said, "I am so sorry! I forgot I had asked you to come for us; have you been waiting long?"
"Nearly half an hour; but, papa, what has happened?"
"I will tell you presently, Mary; drive home quickly, your mother will be getting anxious."
The sad story was soon told in a few words during the drive, and Mary became silent from awe and sympathy.
Presently her father asked,—"What brought Mr. Halford to the station, Mary?"
"I had not time to ask him," said Mary, gently, "neither had I any right to do so. The instant I saw him I begged him to go and find out what detained you."
"No doubt he came to meet his brother-in-law," said cousin Sarah. "I heard the gentleman whose wife has died so sadly speak of his father-in-law as Dr. Halford of Englefield Grange."
Mr. Armstrong did not notice this remark, and the silence at last became so painful to Mary, that she was about to break it by attracting notice to her ponies, who seemed by their rapid movements to look upon a journey of eight miles a day as merely an amusing pastime.
Cousin Sarah diverted her from her purpose by a sudden remark.
"Jack, my boy, you look pale; in the midst of the confusion and sorrow I almost forgot you were present."