'This thing will get out of his head again, you will see.'
'I do not believe it. It isn't his way.'
'One thing is certain,—I shall never give my money to a fool to make ducks and drakes with; and you may hint as much to him.'
'It would be very unwise policy,' said Mrs. Dallas thoughtfully.
'Then let it alone. I have no idea there is any need. You may depend upon it, London and law will scare all this nonsense away, fast enough.'
Mrs. Dallas felt no comforting assurance of the kind. She watched her son during the remaining days of his presence with them—watched him incessantly; so did Betty Frere, and so, in truth, secretly, did his father. Pitt was rather more quiet than usual; there was not much other change to be observed in him, or so Mrs. Dallas flattered herself.
'I see a difference,' said Miss Frere, to whom she communicated this opinion.
'What is it?' asked the mother hastily. For she had seen it too.
'It is not just easy to put it in words; but I see it. Mrs. Dallas, there is a wonderful rest come into his face.'
'Rest?' said the other. 'Pitt was never restless, in a bad sense; there was no keep still to him; but that is not what you mean.'