'It is early, I know; but as I want to say a word or two on business--'

'Oh, on business. I am sure she will see you on business; she will only
be too proud. If you will be kind enough to step in here for two
minutes.' Then Miss Anne, having deposited the major in the little
parlour, ran upstairs with her message to her sister. 'Of course it's
about Grace Crawley' she said to herself as she went. 'It can't be about
anything else. I wonder what he's going to say. If he's going to pop,
and the father in all this trouble, he's the finest fellow that ever
trod.' Such were her thoughts as she tapped at the door and announced in
the presence of Grace that there was somebody in the hall.

'It's Major Grantly,' whispered Anne, as soon as Grace had shut the door
behind her.

'So I suppose by your telling her not to go into the hall. What has he
come to say?'

'How on earth can I tell you that, Annabella? But I suppose he can have
only one thing to say after all that has come and gone. He can only have
come with one object.'

'He wouldn't have come to me for that. He would have asked to see
herself.'

'She never goes out now, and he can't see her.'

'Or he would have gone to them over at Hogglestock,' said Miss
Prettyman. 'But of course he must come up now he is here. Would you mind