He knew very well that Grace, whatever her own feelings, would either go or not go, according as he suggested; and his instinct was, for the moment, to suggest the negative.

His errand took him past the church, and the way to his destination was either across the church-yard or along-side it, the distances being the same.

For some reason or other he chose the former way.
The moon was faintly lighting up the gravestones, and the path, and the front of the building.

Suddenly Mr.Melbury paused, turned ill upon the grass, and approached a particular headstone, where he read, "In memory of John Winterborne," with the subjoined date and age.

It was the grave of Giles's father.
The timber-merchant laid his hand upon the stone, and was humanized.
"Jack, my wronged friend!" he said.