This latter alternative, he said, was not one that he cared to contemplate.

He also reminded her that she was now at a time of life when she could hardly expect to pick and choose and that her spiritual condition was one of, at least, great uncertainty.

These combined statements are held, under the law of Scotland at any rate, to be equivalent to an offer of marriage.
Catherine Dumfarthing did not join her father in his new manse.

She first remained behind him, as the guest of Philippa Overend for a few weeks while she was occupied in packing up her things.

After that she stayed for another two or three weeks to unpack them.