He returned to his work with a plan in his head.
And Harebell rode on home, feeling more and more frightened and unhappy as she drew nearer the village.
"It all seems as bad as it can be, and when I say I've seen Tom, Aunt Diana will think I went to him on purpose, and it will make her angrier still!"
Presently she met Andy at the entrance to the village. He threw up his hands.
"Ay! You naughty child, we've all turned out to catch ye! To think of your going off for a ride this very morning when you're to go to school."
"I'm sorry, Andy. I'm coming back!"
"Comin' back! High time, too. The missis an' the master be in a terrible way. What did you go to do it for?"
Harebell did not answer. Even Andy, her friend, was scolding her.
The house was reached. Andy took her pony, and when Harebell reached the front door, her aunt met her in the hall.
"Come in here," she said. "Where have you been? Did you not know a cab was coming at ten o'clock to take you to the station? It is now nearly eleven."