"Of what consequence could it be?" said Elinor, wondering.
"One can never tell. The only thing is I arrived on the sixth—that you know. And, Nell, my darling, supposing any fellow should inquire too closely into my movements, you'll back me up, won't you, and agree in everything I say?"
"Who should inquire into your movements? There is no one here who would be so impertinent, Phil."
"Oh," he said, "there is never any telling how impertinent people may be."
"And what is there in your movements that any one dare inquire about? I hope you are not ashamed of coming to see me."
"That is just what is the saving of me, Nell. I can't explain what I mean now, but I will later on. Only mind you don't contradict me if we should meet any inquisitive person. I arrived on the sixth, and you'll back me like my true love in everything I say."
"As far as—as I know, Phil."
"Oh, we must have no conditions. You must stand by me in everything I say."