he saw Miss Wodehouse
and her sister Lucy coming from St Roque's, where very probably they too
had been making a visit of condolence to Nettie; and a little nearer that
scene of all his cogitations and troubles appeared, a much less welcome
sight, Miss Marjoribanks, whom all Carlingford, a month ago, had declared
Dr Rider to be "paying his addresses" to. The guilty doctor took off his
hat to that stout and sensible wayfarer, with a pang of self-disgust
which avenged Nettie. Along the very road where that little Titania,
eager and rapid, had gone upon her dauntless way so often, to see that
comely well-dressed figure, handsome, sprightly, clever--but with such a
world of bright youth, tenderness, loveliness, everything that touches
the heart of man, between the two! No harm to Miss Marjoribanks; only
shame to the doctor, who, out of angry love, pique, and mortification,
to vex Nettie, had pretended to transfer the homage due to the fairy
princess to that handsome and judicious woman. The experiment had failed
as entirely as it deserved to do; and here was Edward Rider, coming back
wiser and humbler, content to put that question over again, and stand
once more his chance of what his pride had called a rejection, perhaps
content to make still greater sacrifices, if the truth were known, and
to do anything Nettie asked him, if Nettie would but condescend to ask
or enter into terms at all.

He drew up before St Roque's with a dash, which was much more of
agitation than display, and, throwing the reins at the head of his
little groom, leaped out like a man who did not see where he was going.
He saw Mr Wentworth, however, coming out of the church, and turning
round amazed to look what vehicle had come to so sudden a standstill
there. All the world seemed to be on the road to St Roque's Cottage that
spring afternoon. The doctor made a surly gesture of recognition as he
passed the curate, who gazed at him in calm astonishment from the church
porch. No other intruder appeared between him and the Cottage. He hurried
along past the willow-trees with their drooping tassels, surrounded by a
certain maze of excitement and agitation. As he went up to the door, it
occurred to him suddenly how Nettie had recognised his step that dread
morning of Fred's death. The thought came like a stimulus and encouragement
to the doctor. He went in with a brighter look, a heart more hopeful.
She had opened the door to him before he could knock, held ou