第97章

"Does he appear to be at all weary of his residence in this house?""Oh, far from it! He feels the benign influence of The Retreat;we have had some delightful hours together.""Have you anything to report?"

Mr.Mortleman crossed his hands on his breast and bowed profoundly."I have to report of myself, Father, that I have committed the sin of presumption.I presumed that Mr.Romayne was, like myself, not married.""Have I spoken to you on that subject?"

"No, Father."

"Then you have committed no sin.You have only made an excusable mistake.How were you led into error?""In this way, Father.Mr.Romayne had been speaking to me of a book which you had been so good as to send to him.He had been especially interested by the memoir therein contained of the illustrious Englishman, Cardinal Acton.The degrees by which his Eminence rose to the rank of a Prince of the Church seemed, as Ithought, to have aroused in my friend a new sense of vocation.He asked me if I myself aspired to belong to the holy priesthood.Ianswered that this was indeed my aspiration, if I might hope to be found worthy.He appeared to be deeply affected.I ventured to ask if he too had the same prospect before him.He grieved me indescribably.He sighed and said, 'I have no such hope; I am married.' Tell me Father, 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."