While these three poor women stood together thus, pitying another though most to be pitied themselves, the pacing of a horse or horses became audible in the court, and in a moment Melbury's voice was heard calling to his stableman.

Grace at once started up, ran down the stairs and out into the quadrangle as her father crossed it towards the door.

"Father, what is the matter with him ?" she cried.
"Who--Edgar ?" said Melbury, abruptly.

"Matter?
Nothing.

What, my dear, and have you got home safe?
Why, you are better already! But you ought not to be out in the air like this." "But he has been thrown off his horse!" "I know; I know.