He it was now that looked at her anxiously, while she smiled that well-worn smile which is kept for people in trouble. She went in afterwards and sat silent for some time, covering her face with her hands; in which attitude Elinor found her after her afternoon visitors had gone away.
"What is it, mother? What is it, dear mother? Something has happened to vex you."
"Nothing, nothing, Elinor. John Tatham has been here. He is going to do that little piece of business for me."
"And he—has been bullying you too? poor mamma!"
"On the contrary, he did not say a word. He considered it—quite natural."
Elinor gave her mother a kiss. She had nothing to say. Neither of them had a word to say to the other. The thought that passed through both their minds was: "After all it is only two thousand pounds"—and then, après? was Elinor's thought. And then, never more, never more! was what passed through Mrs. Dennistoun's mind.
Phil Compton smiled upon her that day she handed him over the money. "It is a great pity you took the trouble," he said. "It is a pity to change an investment for such a bagatelle as two thousand pounds. Still, if you insist upon it, mamma. I suppose Nell's been bragging of the big interest, but you never will feel it on a scrap like this. If you would let me double your income for you now."
"You know, Philip, I cannot. The trustees would never consent."
"Bother trustees. They are the ruin of women," he said, and as he left the room he turned back to ask her how long she was going to stay in town.
"How long do you stay?"