ry door! Philip Compton's servant, always about when
he was not wanted, spying about to see whom it was that "down-stairs"
was letting out, came strolling into sight. Anyhow, whether that was the
reason or not, she made him no reply. He caught her look--a look that
said more than words--and turned round quickly and held out his hand. "I
did not mean to be cruel," he said.

"Oh, no, no, no--you did not mean it--you were not cruel. The
reverse--you are always so kind. Yes, it has answered--I am more glad
than I can tell you--that I came."

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,
_apres_? 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?"

"Oh, till Goodwood always," said Phil. "Nell's looking forward to it,
and there's generally some good things just at the end when the heavy
people have gone away; but I thought you might not care to stay so
long."

"I came not for town, but for Elinor, Philip."

"Exactly so. But don't you think Elinor has shown herself quite able to