Pondering on this and trying to find some meaning in it, occupied his thoughts till he joined Mimi and Sir Nathaniel at breakfast.
They began the meal in silence.

What had been had been, and was known to them all.

Moreover, it was not a pleasant topic.
A fillip was given to the conversation when Adam told of his seeing Lady Arabella, on her way to Castra Regis.

They each had something to say of her, and of what her wishes or intentions were towards Edgar Caswall.
Mimi spoke bitterly of her in every aspect.

She had not forgotten--and never would--never could--the occasion when, to harm Lilla, the woman had consorted even with the nigger.