The house was searched for her, but in vain.

Nobody had seen her.

But my grandmother could not bear to have the marriage solemnized in the absence of a first cousin.

Such a wedding as this was not likely to be repeated in her family; it would be a great pity if any of the relatives missed it.

So she petitioned the principals to delay the ceremony, while she herself went in search of the missing cousin.
Clear over to the farthest end of the town she walked, lifting her gala dress well above her ankles.