"It is horrible to think that such a precaution should be necessary," Mrs.Trevelyan had said, "but perhaps it may be best.

There is no knowing what the malice of people may not invent." "My dear girls," said the Colonel, "I am delighted to see you," and he gave a hand to each.
"We are not very cheerful here," said Mrs.Trevelyan, "as you may imagine." "But the scenery is beautiful," said Nora, "and the people we are living with are kind and nice." "I am very glad of that," said the Colonel.

Then there was a pause, and it seemed, for a moment or two, that none of them knew how to begin a general conversation.

Colonel Osborne was quite sure, by this time, that he had come down to Devonshire with the express object of seeing the door of the church at Cockchaffington, and Mrs.Trevelyan was beginning to think that he certainly had not come to see her.
"Have you heard from your father since you have been here ?" asked the Colonel.
Then there was an explanation about Sir Marmaduke and Lady Rowley.
Mr.Trevelyan's name was not mentioned; but Mrs.Trevelyan stated that she had explained to her mother all the painful circumstances of her present life.

Sir Marmaduke, as Colonel Osborne was aware, was expected to be in England in the spring, and Lady Rowley would, of course, come with him.