ring--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."

"Well, no," he said, "they are wretched little rooms. Good-by, th