"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."