" but he did not; for he knew that if it had
ever been him, it could not have been for years. He was too prudent, and
Elinor, even if she had escaped Phil Compton, would have met some one
else. He had no right to say, or even think, what, in the circumstances,
he would have done. He did not make any answer, but she understood him
as he understood her.

And later in the evening she asked his advice as to what she should do.
"I am not fond of asking advice," she said, "and I don't think there is
another in the world I would ask it from but you. What should I do? It
would cost me nothing to run up to town for a part of the season at
least. I might get a little house, and be near her, where she could come
to me when she pleased. Should I do it, or would it be wise not to do
it? I don't want to spy upon her or to force her to tell me more than
she wishes. John, my dear, I will tell you what I would tell no one
else. I caught a glimpse of her dear face when the train was just going
out of sight, and she was sinking back in her corner with a look of
relief----"

"Of relief!" he cried.

"John, don't form any false impression! it was no want of love: but I
think she was thankful to have seen me, and to have satisfied me, and
that I had asked no questions that she could not answer--in a way."

John clenched his fist, but he dared not make any gesture of disgust,
or suggest again, "If it had been I."

"Well, now," she said, "remember I am not angry--fancy being angry with
Elinor!--and all I mean is for her benefit. Should I go? it might be a
relief to her to run into me whenever she pleased; or should I not go?
lest she might think I was bent on finding out more than she chose to
tell?"

"Wouldn't it be right that you should find out?"

"That is just the point upon which I am doubtful. She is not unhappy,
for she is--she is prettier than ever she was, John. A girl does not
get like that--her eyes brighter, her colour clearer, looking--well,
beautiful!" cried the mother, her eyes filling with bright tears, "if
she is unhappy. But there may be things that are not quite smooth, that
she might think it would make me unhappy to know, yet that if let alone
might come all right. Tell me, John, what should I do?"

And they sat debating thus till far on in the night.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Mrs. Dennistoun did not go up to town. There are some women who would
have done so, seeing the other side of the subject--at all hazards;