Frank was not aware whether or no his father had been told of the great family danger which was dreaded in that quarter.

That he had been told, we may surmise, as Lady Arabella was not wont to confine the family dangers to her own bosom.

Moreover, Mary's presence had, of course, been missed.

The truth was, that the squire had been told, with great bitterness, of what had come to pass, and all the evil had been laid at his door.
He it had been who had encouraged Mary to be regarded almost as a daughter of the house of Greshamsbury; he it was who taught that odious doctor--odious in all but his aptitude for good doctoring--to think himself a fit match for the aristocracy of the county.

It had been his fault, this great necessity that Frank should marry money; and now it was his fault that Frank was absolutely talking of marrying a pauper.
By no means in quiescence did the squire hear these charges brought against him.