I entreat you, have I done wrong?"

Father Benwell considered for a moment. "Did Mr. Romayne say anything
more?" he asked.

"No, Father."

"Did you attempt to return to the subject?"

"I thought it best to be silent."

Father Benwell held out his hand. "My young friend, you have not only
done no wrong--you have shown the most commendable discretion. I will
detain you no longer from your duties. Go to Mr. Romayne, and say that I
wish to speak with him."

Mr. Mortleman dropped on one knee, and begged for a blessing. Father
Benwell lifted the traditional two fingers, and gave the blessing.
The conditions of human happiness are easily fulfilled if we rightly
understand them. Mr. Mortleman retired perfectly happy.

Left by himself again, Father Benwell paced the room rapidly from end to
end. The disturbing influence visible in his face had now changed from
anxiety to excitement. "I'll try it to-day!" he said to himself--and
stopped, and looked round him doubtfully. "No, not here," he decided;
"it may get talked about too soon. It will be safer in every way at my
lodgings." He recovered his composure, and returned to his chair.

Romayne opened the door.

The double influence of the conversion, and of the life in The Retreat,
had already changed him. His customary keenness and excitability of look
had subsided, and had left nothing in their place but an expression of
suave and meditative repose. All his troubles were now in the hands of
his priest. There was a passive regularity in his bodily movements and a
beatific serenity in his smile.

"My dear friend," said Father Benwell, cordially shaking hands, "you
were good enough to be guided by my advice in entering this house. Be
guided by me again, when I say that you have been here long enough. You
can return, after an interval, if you wish it. But I have something to
say to you first--and I beg to offer the hospitality of my lodgings."

The time had been when Romayne would have asked for some explanation of
this abrupt notice of removal. Now, he passively accepted the advice of
his spiritual director. Father Benwell made the necessary communication
to the authorities, and Romayne took leave of his friends in The
Retreat. The great Jesuit and the great landowner left the place, with
becoming humility, in a cab.

"I hope I have not disappointed you?" said Father Benwell.

"I am only anxious," Romayne answered, "to hear what you have to say."

CHAPTER III.