Final answer:
Kelly Marie learned of Henrietta's accident from her sister Josephine and her husband's friend Richards, who wanted to convey the news with care.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kelly Marie found out about Henrietta's accident through indirect communication from two sources. Her sister Josephine conveyed the news in broken sentences and with veiled hints, which were revealing yet partially concealing the severity of the incident. Alongside Josephine, there was Richards, a friend of Henrietta's husband. Richards had been in the newspaper office when the news of the railroad disaster came in; he confirmed the death of Brently Mallard, Henrietta's husband, on that list with a second telegram. His intention was to ensure that the message delivered to Kelly was done so with care and tenderness, sparing her the possibly harsher delivery from someone less considerate.