And just then Phil knocked at her door. He came in smiling and gracious, and with that look of high breeding and _savoir faire_ which had conciliated her before and which she felt the influence of now, although she was aware how many drawbacks there were, and knew that the respect which her son-in-law showed was far from genuine. "I never see you to have a chat," he said; "I thought I would take the opportunity to-day, when Elinor was out. I want you to tell me how you think she is." "I think she is wonderfully well," said Mrs. Dennistoun. "_Wonderfully_ well--you mean considering--that there is too much racket in her life?" "Partly, I mean that--but, indeed, I meant it without condition; she is wonderfully well. I am surprised, often----" "It is rather a racket of a life," said Phil. "Too much, indeed--it is too much--for a woman who is beginning her serious life--but if you think that, it is a great thing gained, for you can put a stop to it, or moderate--'the pace' don't you call it?" she said, with a smile. "Well, yes. I suppose we could moderate the pace--but that would mean a great deal for me. You see, when a man's launched it isn't always so easy to stop. Nell, of course, if you thought she wanted it--might go to the country with you." Mrs. Dennistoun's heart gave a leap. "Might go to the country with you!" It seemed a glimpse of Paradise that burst upon her. But then she shook her head. "You know Elinor would not leave you, Philip." "Well! she has a ridiculous partiality," he said, with a laugh, "though, of course, I'd make her--if it was really for her advantage," he added, after a moment; "you don't think I'd let that stand in her way." "In the meantime," said Mrs. Dennistoun, with hesitation, "without proceeding to any such stringent measures--if you could manage to be a little less late at night." "Oh, you listen for my coming in at night?" His face took a sombre look, as if a cloud had come over it. "I do not listen--for happily for me I have been asleep for hours. I generally jump up thinking the house is on fire at the sound of voices, which make listening quite unnecessary, Philip." "Ah, yes, the fellows are rather noisy," he said, carelessly, "but Nell sleeps like a top, and pays no attention--which is the best thing she can do." "I would not be too sure she slept like a top." "It's true; women are all hypocrites alike. You never know when you have them," Phil said. And then there was a pause; for she feared to say anything more lest she should go too far; and he for once in his life was embarrassed, and did not know how to begin what he had to say. "Well," he said, quickly, getting up, "I must be going. I have business in the city. And now that I find you're satisfied about Nell's health---- By the way, you never show in our rooms; though Nell spends every minute she has to spare here." "I am a little old perhaps for your friends, Philip, and the room is not too large."