And in
the morning she arose with the same impression on her mind, gayly
looking forward to Marian's return with the visitor, and the certain
happy revelation she had promised.
She had breakfast over early, made the room very tidy, dressed Miriam in
her holiday clothes, put on her own Sunday gown, and sat down to wait
for Marian and the visitor. The morning passed slowly, in momentary
expectation of an arrival.
It was near eleven o'clock when she looked up and saw Colonel Thornton's
carriage approaching the cottage.
"There! I said so! I knew Marian had remained with Miss Thornton, and
that they would bring her home this morning. I suppose Colonel Thornton
and his sister are both with her! And now for the revelation! I wonder
what it is," said Edith, smiling to herself, as she arose and stroked
down her dress, and smoothed her ringlets, preparatory to meeting her
guests.
By this time the carriage had drawn up before the cottage gate. Edith
went out just in time to see the door opened, and Miss Thornton alight.
The lady was alone--that Edith saw at the first glance.
"What can be the meaning of this?" she asked herself, as she went
forward to welcome her visitor.
But Miss Thornton was very pale and tremulous, and she acted altogether
strangely.
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