They had hardly ended when now and more numerous foot-falls were audible, also persons in conversation, one of whom Grace recognized as her father.
She rose, and went to the outer apartment, in which there was only such light as beamed from the inner one.

Melbury and Mrs.Melbury were standing there.
"I don't reproach you, Grace," said her father, with an estranged manner, and in a voice not at all like his old voice.

"What has come upon you and us is beyond reproach, beyond weeping, and beyond wailing.
Perhaps I drove you to it.

But I am hurt; I am scourged; I am astonished.

In the face of this there is nothing to be said." Without replying, Grace turned and glided back to the inner chamber.
"Marty," she said, quickly, "I cannot look my father in the face until he knows the true circumstances of my life here.