He became absorbed.

Then he laid down the paper, and said below his breath "Thank God." At that moment Magdalen and Fay were announced.
For a second it seemed as if the Bishop had forgotten them.

Then he recollected and went forward to meet them.

He knew that only a matter of supreme urgency could have made Magdalen word her telegram as she had worded it, and when he caught sight of Fay's face he realised that she was in jeopardy.
All other preoccupations fell from him instantly.

He welcomed them gravely, almost in silence.
The sisters sat down close together on a sofa.