Not two minutes after their quitting the main road the spot was passed by Adela herself, who was walking towards Mr.Wyvern's dwelling.

On her inquiring for the vicar, she learnt from the servant that he had just left home.

She hesitated, and seemed about to ask further questions or leave a message, but at length turned away from the door and retraced her steps slowly and with bent head.
She knew not whether to feel glad or sorry that the interview she had come to seek could not immediately take place.

This day had been a hard one for Adela.

In the morning her mother had spoken to her without disguise or affectation, and had told her of Mutimer's indirect proposal.