Latterly this matter had appeared likely to arrange itself, with the betrothal of the girls respectively to Anthony Dalaber and Arthur Cole.

Still there might be a lapse of several years between betrothal and marriage, and he was seriously meditating the best course to pursue, when Arthur's proposition came as a solution of the problem.
Marriages were very quickly and easily performed in those days.
They could be consummated at the briefest notice.

And Magdalen, having given her promise, was ready to give her hand at any time that Arthur should desire, and depart with him at once for the new home, whither Freda and their father would quickly follow them, and any amongst their suffering friends who, on release, desired that haven of peace and rest.
The trial of the tainted students was over.

It was Arthur who brought word to the Bridge House as to what had been the result.
All day Freda had moved to and fro with restless steps and burning eyes.

Her whole being seemed rent asunder by the depth of her emotion.