She kept murmuring almost inarticulately; but, to Mary's uneasiness, every now and then plainly uttered the name _Tom_.

What was she to make of it?
In terror lest she should betray her, she must yet do something.
Matters could not have gone wrong so far that nothing could be done to set them at least a little straight! If only she knew what! A single false step might do no end of mischief! She must see Tom Helmer: without betraying Letty, she might get from him some enlightenment.

She knew his open nature, had a better opinion of him than many had, and was a little nearer the right of him.

The doctor must be called; but she would, if possible, see Tom first.
It was not more than half an hour's walk to Warrender, and she set out in haste.

She must get back before George Turnbull came to open the shop.
When she got near enough to see Mr.Wardour's face, she read in it at once that he was there from the same cause as herself; but there was no good omen to be drawn from its expression: she read there not only keen anxiety and bitter disappointment, but lowering anger; nor was that absent which she felt to be distrust of herself.