course it is far better
for him to be in a settled home, where he can be properly attended to,
than moving about. Isn't that enough?"

"Well, Elinor; at least you will let me say as much as that----"

"Oh, they can surely make it out for themselves. What is the use of
always talking a matter over, to lead to a little more, and a little
more, till the appetite for gossip is satisfied? Surely, in our
circumstances, least said is soonest mended," Elinor said, with that air
of superior understanding which almost always resides in persons of the
younger generation. Mrs. Dennistoun said no more to her, but she did
take advantage of the explanation thus suggested. She informed the
anxious circle at the Rectory that Elinor had come to her on a long
visit, "partly for me, and partly for the baby," she said, with one
of those smiles which are either the height of duplicity or the most
pathetic evidence of self-control, according as you choose to regard
them. "She thinks she has neglected her mother, though I am sure I have
never blamed her; and she thinks--of which there can be no doubt--that
to carry an infant of that age moving about from place to place is the
worst thing in the world; and that I am very thankful she should think
so, I need not say."

"It is very nice for you, dear Mrs. Dennistoun," Mrs. Hudson said.

"And a good thing for Elinor," said Alice, "for she is looking very
poorly. I have always heard that fashionable life took a great deal out
of you if you are not quite brought up to it. I am sure I couldn't
stand it," the young lady said with fervour, who had never had that
painful delight in her power.

"That is all very well," said the Rector, rubbing his hands, "but what
does Mr. Compton say to it? I don't want to say a word against your
arrangements, my dear lady, but you know there must be some one on the
husband's side. Now, I am on the husband's side, and I am sorry for the
poor young man. I hope he is going to join his wife. I hope, excuse me
for saying it, that Elinor--though we are all so delighted to see
her--will not forsake him, for too long."

And then Mrs. Dennistoun felt herself compelled to embroider a little
upon her theme.

"He has to be a great deal abroad during this year," she said; "he has a
great many things to do. Elinor does not know when he will be--home.
That is one reason----"

"To be sure, to be sure," the Rector said, rubbing his hands still
more, and coming to her aid jus