ting, the trivial arguments of a man who is young enough to
be my son. I shall write a carefully-guarded letter to Romayne, on the
departure of Penrose; and I shall send him a book to read, from
the influence of which I expect gratifying results. It is not a
controversial work (Arthur has been beforehand with me there)--it is
Wiseman's "Recollections of the Popes." I look to that essentially
readable book to excite Romayne's imagination, by vivid descriptions
of the splendors of the Church, and the vast influence and power of the
higher priesthood. Does this sudden enthusiasm of mine surprise you? And
are you altogether at a loss to know what it means?

It means, my friend, that I see our position toward Romayne in a new
light. Forgive me, if I say no more for the present. I prefer to be
silent, until my audacity is justified by events.

* Father Benwell's experience had, in this case, not misled
him. If Stella had remained unmarried, Winterfield might have
justified himself. But he was honorably unwilling to disturb her
relations with her husband, by satisfying her that he had never
been unworthy of the affection which had once united them.

CHAPTER V.

BERNARD WINTERFIELD'S CORRESPONDENCE.

I.

_From Mrs. Romayne to Mr. Winterfield._

HAS my letter failed to reach you? I directed it (as I direct this) to
Beaupark, not knowing your London address.

Yesterday, Father Benwell called at Ten Acres Lodge. He first saw my
mother and myself and he contrived to mention your name. It was done
with his usual adroitness, and I might perhaps have passed it over if
he had not looked at me. I hope and pray it may be only my fancy--but
I thought I saw, in his eyes, that he was conscious of having me in his
power, and that he might betray me to my husband at any moment.

I have no sort of claim on you. And, Heaven knows, I have little
reason to trust you. But I thought you meant fairly by me when we spoke
together at this house. In that belief, I entreat you to tell me if
Father Benwell has intruded himself into your confidence--or even if you
have hinted anything to him which gives him a hold over me.

II.

_From Mr. Winterfield to Mrs. Romayne._

Both your letters have reached me.

I have good reason for believing that you are entirely mistaken in your
estimate of Father Benwell's character. But I know, by sad experience,
how you hold to your opinions when they are once formed; and I