Chapter XXVIII

Anna was hurrying through the quiet streets of
Witanbury on her way to Mr. Head's Stores.

As she walked along, looking neither to the right
nor to the left, for she had of late become unpleasantly
conscious of her alien nationality, she pondered with
astonishment and resentment the events of the last
two days -- the receipt of a telegram by Mrs. Otway,
and its destruction, or at any rate its disappearance,
before she, Anna, could learn its contents; and, evidently
in consequence of the telegram, her mistress's
hurried packing and departure for London.

Then had followed a long, empty day, the old
woman's feelings of uneasiness and curiosity being
but little relieved by Rose's eager words, uttered late
on the same evening: "Oh, Anna, didn't mother tell
you the great news? Major Guthrie is coming home.
She has gone up to meet him!" The next morning
Mrs. Jervis Blake herself had gone to London, this
being the first time she had left her husband since their
marriage.

There had come another day of trying silence for
Anna, and then a letter from Rose to her old nurse.
It was a letter which contained astounding news. Mrs.
Otway was coming back late tonight, and was to be
married -- _married,_ tomorrow morning in the Cathedral,
to Major Guthrie!

The bride-elect sent good old Anna her love, and
bade her not worry.

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v?