Phil did not allow the grass to grow under his feet.
‘Come then, so quickly as you can, Carrie,’ he cried, ‘for each moment is precious. I shall return to Fairmeadowes and tell them I am gone out for the day. You must go home and put on your habit, and get one of your good aunt’s horses.’
‘I am not permitted to ride alone,’ said Carrie, who saw lions in the way at every turn.
Phil laughed, and put his hand in his pocket. ‘Here, Carrie,’ he said, ‘give me your hand.’ Carrie all unsuspicious laid her hand in his.
‘That is what you must do to your aunt’s groom, my child; there never was groom yet but understood that argument,’ said Phil.
‘All this, Phil?’ said Carrie, as she eyed the yellow coin.
‘All that, and say, as you give it, that he must come to Wyntown for the horse at five o’ the clock.’
‘But he will wonder, Phil.’
‘Doubtless.—Oh, Carrie, but women waste time on trifles!’
Carrie was nettled by this remark, so she hastened off as fast as she could through the long meadow hay, determined that Phil should not find her so dilatory after all.