Grace would not allow her mind to harbor any suspicion of his whereabouts, and her step-mother said nothing of Mrs.Charmond's rumored sorrows and plans of departure.
So the young wife sat by the fire, waiting silently.

She had left Hintock in a turmoil of feeling after the revelation of Mrs.Charmond, and had intended not to be at home when her husband returned.

But she had thought the matter over, and had allowed her father's influence to prevail and bring her back; and now somewhat regretted that Edgar's arrival had preceded hers.
By-and-by Mrs.Melbury came up-stairs with a slight air of flurry and abruptness.
"I have something to tell--some bad news," she said.

"But you must not be alarmed, as it is not so bad as it might have been.

Edgar has been thrown off his horse.