I had never seen that girl before , and I 've never seen her since , but it 's my opinion that there was n't much she could n't do if she made up her mind to do it . Stephen was n't long in getting there and he brought the minister with him . Then we all , including Thomas -- who was beginning to get interested in the affair in spite of himself -- went over and held council of war beneath the closet window . Thomas suggested breaking in doors and carrying Prissy off boldly , but I could see that Mr. Leonard looked very dubious over that , and even Stephen said he thought it could only be done as a last resort . I agreed with him . I knew Emmeline Strong would bring an action against him for housebreaking as likely as not . She 'd be so furious she 'd stick at nothing if we gave her any excuse . Then Anne Shirley , who could n't have been more excited if she was getting married herself , came to the rescue again . `` Could n't you put a ladder up to the closet window , '' she said , `` And Mr. Clark can go up it and they can be married there . Ca n't they , Mr. Leonard ? '' Mr. Leonard agreed that they could . He was always the most saintly looking man , but I know I saw a twinkle in his eye . `` Thomas , go over and bring our little ladder over here , '' I said . Thomas forgot he was an elder , and he brought the ladder as quick as it was possible for a fat man to do it . After all it was too short to reach the window , but there was no time to go for another . Stephen went up to the top of it , and he reached up and Prissy reached down , and they could just barely clasp hands so . I shall never forget the look of Prissy . The window was so small she could only get her head and one arm out of it . Besides , she was almost frightened to death . Mr. Leonard stood at the foot of the ladder and married them .
As a rule , he makes a very long and solemn thing XXXXX the marriage ceremony , but this time he cut out everything that was n't absolutely necessary ; and it was well that he did , for just as he pronounced them man and wife , Emmeline drove into the lane .
After Besides as if in of off since that to