Perhaps their marriage depended upon it--not directly, but indirectly--making a long postponement inevitable.

Perhaps MacFarlane had some old score to settle.

This contracting was precarious business.
Once before he had known Henry to be in just such straits.

Again he consulted his watch.
Then a new and cheering thought struck him.

He rose quickly from his seat on the sofa and crossed the room to get his hat.
"It is a forlorn hope, Jack, but I'll try it.