She would hide until they had gone.

They were not likely to linger long in the cottage.
Minute after minute went by, but the intruders showed no signs of leaving.
"What shall I do ?" Grace breathed, wringing her hands.

"They're real, downright burglars of the worst sort, and they're planning a robbery.
It's getting late, too, and the girls will soon be going back.

Oh, I must get out of here, but I won't try to go until I find out whose house they're going to rob." The men talked on, but, listen as she might, Grace could get no clue.
"There ain't a soul on the joint except the judge and one old servant," growled Bill.

"The rest o' the bunch'll be at the weddin' of one o' the girls.