Was the wretched thing to come off after all?
He was too proud and sore to suggest an alternative.

But Mrs.Thornburgh managed that for him.

When he got back he told the vicar in the hall of Miss Leyburn's flight in the fewest possible words, and then his long legs vanished up the stairs in a twinkling, and the door of his room shut behind him.

A few minutes afterward Mrs.Thornburgh's shrill voice was heard in the hall, calling to the servant.
'Sarah, let the hamper alone.

Take out the chickens.' And a minute after the vicar came up to his door.
'Elsmere, Mrs.Thornburgh thinks the day is too uncertain; better put it off.' To which Elsmere from inside replied with a vigorous assent.