afternoon, about three o'clock
It was all in vain that her pet kitten came gamboling to her feet , rubbing against her dress , climbing upon her shoulder , and playfully touching , with her velvet paw , the chestnut curls which fell from beneath her bonnet . All in vain that the Newfoundland dog came to her side , licking her hands and gazing upon her with a wondering , human look of intelligent . Grace had no thought for Rover or for Kitty , and she wept on , sometimes for Arthur , sometimes for Edith , but oftener for the young girl who years ago refused the love offered her by Richard Harrington ; and then she wondered if it were possible that Edith had so soon ceased to care for Arthur , `` I can tell from her manner , '' she thought ; and with her mind thus brought to the call she would make at Collingwood , she dried her eyes , and speaking playfully to her dumb pets , returned to the house a sad , subdued woman , whose part in the drama of Richard Harrington was effectually played out . That afternoon , about three o'clock , a carriage bearing Grace Atherton , wound slowly up the hill to Collingwood and when it reached the door a radiant , beautiful woman stepped out , her face all wreathed in smiles and her voice full of sweetness as she greeted Richard , who came forth to meet her . `` A pretty march you 've stolen upon me , '' she began , in a light , bantering tone -- `` you and Edith -- never asked my consent or said so much as ` by your leave ' but no matter , I congratulate you all the same . I fancied it would end in this . Where is she -- the bride - elect ? ''