It may be supposed, therefore, that it was an unfortunate moment for Phil Compton's visit. Mrs. Dennistoun had scarcely seen them that day, and she was sitting by herself, somewhat sick at heart, wondering if anything would break the routine into which their life was falling; or if this was what Elinor must address herself to as its usual tenor. It would be better in the country, she said to herself. It was only in the bustle of the season, when everybody of his kind was congregated in town, that it would be like this. In their rounds of visits, or when the whole day was occupied with sport, such nocturnal sittings would be impossible--and she comforted herself by thinking that they would not be consistent with any serious business in the city such as Elinor feared. The one danger must push away the other. He could not gamble at night in that way, and gamble in the other among the stockbrokers. They were both ruinous, no doubt, but they could not both be carried on at the same time--or so, at least, this innocent woman thought. There was enough to be anxious and alarmed about without taking two impossible dangers into her mind together.
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."