"I don't understand it, Austin," she said tremulously.

"It's terrible to think of such a catastrophe, and all those poor creatures being killed--and it's most providential, of course, that--that--I was kept from going.

But all that doesn't explain what share _you_ had in it.
You don't expect me to believe that you knew what was going to happen and kept me at home on purpose?
The very idea is ridiculous.

It was a coincidence, of course, though a most remarkable one, I must admit.

A collision! Thank God for all His mercies!" "If it was only a coincidence I don't exactly see what there is to thank God for," remarked Austin, very drily.
"'Twarn't no coincidence," averred old Martha, solemnly.