It is nothing dangerous.

Here's a letter from your brother Tom.

Perhaps I had better read it at once; there may be news you would like to hear.' She sat down and broke the envelope.

Whilst she was reading the letter to herself, Rhoda quietly left the room.
'Yes, there is news,' said Miss Barfoot presently, 'and of a disagreeable kind.

A few weeks ago--before writing, that is--he was thrown off a horse and had a rib fractured.' 'Oh?
How is he going on ?' 'Getting right again, he says.