But he was already so much disturbed that he did not attempt to explain to himself what was happening.
But when lunch was over, and he realised that he had declared his intention of leaving Billingsfield on the next day, he saw that if he meant to see Mrs.Goddard before he left he must go to her at once.

He therefore waited until he heard Mr.and Mrs.Ambrose talking together in the sitting-room and then slipped quietly out by the garden to the road.
He had no idea what he should say when he met Mrs.Goddard.He meant, of course, to let her understand, or at least suppose, that he was leaving suddenly on her account, but he did not know in the least how to accomplish it.

He trusted that the words necessary to him would come into his head spontaneously.

His heart beat fast and he was conscious that he blushed as he rang the bell of the cottage.

Almost before he knew where he was, he found himself ushered into the little drawing-room and in the presence of the woman he now felt sure that he loved.