During that long transition they have unprecedented freedom-from unwanted childbearing, for example-and no particular reason to rush into commitments of any sort.
In a few moments Clym arrived with Fairway, Humphrey, and Susan Nunsuch; Olly Dowden, who had chanced to be at Fairway's, Christian and Grandfer Cantle following helter-skelter behind.
" To do something rash" (rash) is to do something in a hurry, quickly, but without thinking of what might happen, the bad consequences of what might happen.
Such an extraordinary sign of confidence was received by the orator as a highly favorable omen; and though the animal retreated a little precipitately, he was lavish of his thanks and commendations.