But his coming had been spoken of by Priscilla in her own letters as an occurrence which was quite out of the question.

Her anger against her aunt had been for saying that the man had come, not for objecting to such a visit.

And now the man was coming, and Aunt Stanbury would know all about it.

How great, how terrible, how crushing would be Aunt Stanbury's triumph! "I must write and tell her," said Priscilla.
"I am sure I shall not object," said Mrs.Trevelyan.
"And Hugh must be told," said Mrs.Stanbury.
"You may tell all the world, if you like," said Mrs.Trevelyan.
In this way it was settled among them that Colonel Osborne was to be received.

On the next morning, Friday morning, Colonel Osborne, doubtless having heard something of Mrs.Crocket from his friend at Cockchaffington, was up early, and had himself driven over to Nuncombe Putney before breakfast.