But the two girls were afraid to drive the big mare, as she was thoroughly roused after her dash in among the Doyles and Donohoes, and was inclined to show a lot of temper.

A hurried consultation was held, with the result that Ellen Harriott and Alick were received into the four-in-hand, while Hugh was entrusted with the task of driving his employer home in the sulky.
Now, a sulky is a vehicle built to accommodate two people only, and those two people have to sit fairly close together.

For a few miles they spun along in silence, Hugh being well occupied with steadying the mare.

From time to time he looked out of the corner of his eye at his companion; she looked steadily, almost stolidly, in front of her.

Then she began to tap on the floor of the sulky with her foot.