Grizel scurried on, thinking it was undoubtedly her father, but in a few minutes the three were conversing almost amicably, the doctor's first words had been so "sweet." Tommy explained that they were out for a walk, but Grizel could not lie, and in a few passionate sentences she told McQueen the truth.

He had guessed the greater part of it, and while she spoke he looked so sorry for her, such a sweet change had come over his manner, that she held his hand.
"But you must go no farther," he told her, "I am to take you back with me," and that alarmed her.

"I won't go back," she said, determinedly, "he might come." "There's little fear of his coming," McQueen assured her, gently, "but if he does come I give you my solemn word that I won't let him take you away unless you want to go." Even then she only wavered, but he got her altogether with this: "And should he come, just think what a piece of your mind you could give him, with me standing by holding your hand." "Oh, would you do that ?" she asked, brightening.
"I would do a good deal to get the chance," he said.
"I should just love it!" she cried.

"I shall come now," and she stepped light-heartedly into the gig, where the doctor joined her.

Tommy, who had been in the background all this time, was about to jump up beside them, but McQueen waved him back, saying maliciously, "There's just room for two, my man, so I won't interfere with your walk." Tommy, in danger of being left, very hot and stout and sulky, whimpered, "What have I done to anger you ?" "You were going with her, you blackguard," replied McQueen, not yet in full possession of the facts, for whether Tommy was or was not going with her no one can ever know.
"If I was," cried the injured boy, "it wasna because I wanted to go, it was because it wouldna have been respectable for her to go by hersel'." The doctor had already started his shalt, but at these astonishing words he drew up sharply.