The deep voice of the clock in Bingley church tower recalled her to the necessity of going back to her companions. It was four o’clock, the time they had fixed for starting homewards. It was not with any pleasure that she thought of the long drive. She suspected that Pauline and Rose had had a serious quarrel, and that Pauline’s politeness to her arose from a wish to vex Rose. All the way to the woods Pauline had criticised Rose’s driving, speaking with authority, as if she had driven a pony carriage all her life. Rhoda could have laughed outright if she had not been so angry. She found the two girls ready to start for the village when she got back to the spot where she had left them. “Pauline wants to go round by the high road,” Rose said, looking appealingly at Rhoda. “It will make us much later at home. You can see the Abbey another day, Pauline. There isn’t much to see; is there, Miss Sampson?” “It will not take us half an hour longer. How obstinate you are, Rosie!” exclaimed Pauline irritably. “I will drive, and make Bob understand that he must hurry a little. Why should we walk up that long tiresome lane to save his legs? There is no hill to speak of the other way, you say. I am too tired to walk a step. I am not so strong as you are. Miss Sampson, don’t you agree with me that the high road will be much the better way for us?” “We promised Miss Merivale that we would be back early,” Rhoda said coldly. “I think it is a pity to go out of our way.” “But we should be at home just as soon. Rose insists that we must all walk up the lane. I am sure you are too tired to do it, Miss Sampson, if I was not. But Bob is to be considered before either of us, eh, Rose?” Rose walked down the turf slope towards the village without answering; she was too cross to discuss the question any further. A new complication arose when they reached the rustic inn where Bob and the carriage had been left. One of Bob’s shoes was found to be loose, and it was necessary to get it fixed before starting for home. Rose drew Rhoda aside, and spoke eagerly to her. “Miss Sampson, would you drive home with Pauline? I could walk across the downs and be home in half an hour. I don’t like to leave Aunt Lucy so long alone.” “Will you let me go?” Rhoda answered, as eagerly as Rose had spoken. “I know the way quite well. I would so much rather go, if you don’t mind.” Rose could quite well understand that Rhoda must find Pauline’s society unpleasant, even though Pauline now appeared bent on being agreeable to her. “Are you sure you know the way?” she said doubtfully. “But it is easy. You will see Woodcote when once you are on the top of the downs.” “I know the way quite well,” Rhoda said, with a bright face. It was delightful to her to escape the drive home with Pauline.