She did indeed feel ill, but to submit to treatment was impossible whilst this day lasted.

Far worse than her bodily fever was the mental anguish which would not allow her to remain in one place for more than a few minutes at a time, and did not suffer the pretence of occupation.

How would it come about?
Was her father at this moment in the hands of the police?
How would the first news come to Banbrigg, and when?
The sound of every vehicle on the road was an approaching terror; she was constantly at the window to watch the people who came near.

It had seemed to her that she realised what this trial would be, yet her anticipations had fallen far below the experience of these fearful hours.

At instants, she all but repented what she had done, and asked herself if there was not even now a chance of somehow saving her father.
The face which he had raised to the window as he left home smote her heart.