As for hard town work, it is absurd--you couldn't stand it.
And after all, I imagine, there are some souls worth saving out of the towns.' Elsmere pointed out vindictively that family livings were a corrupt and indefensible institution.

Mr.Grey replied calmly that they probably were, but that the fact did not affect, so far as he could see, Elsmere's competence to fulfil all the duties of rector of Murewell.
'After all, my dear fellow,' he said, a smile breaking over his strong, expressive face, 'it is well even for reformers to be sane.' Mrs.Elsmere was passive.

It seemed to her that she had foreseen it all along.

She was miserable about his health, but she too had a moment of superstition, and would not urge him.

Murewell was no name of happy omen to her--she had passed the darkest hours of her life there.
In the end Robert asked for delay, which was grudgingly granted him.