Romayne--against his own better conviction--in the honest belief that he consults the interests of our married life."I don't think I misinterpret the state of Romayne's mind, and mislead you, when I express my belief that this second indiscreet interference of his wife between his friend and himself will produce the very result which she dreads.Mark my words, written after the closest observation of him--this new irritation of Romayne's sensitive self-respect will hasten his conversion.
You will understand that the one alternative before me, after what has happened, is to fill the place from which Penrose has withdrawn.I abstained from breathing a word of this to Romayne.
It is he, if I can manage it, who must invite me to complete the work of conversion--and, besides, nothing can be done until the visit of Penrose has come to an end.Romayne's secret sense of irritation may be safely left to develop itself, with time to help it.
I changed the conversation to the subject of his literary labors.
The present state of his mind is not favorable to work of that exacting kind.Even with the help of Penrose to encourage him, he does not get on to his satisfaction--and yet, as I could plainly perceive, the ambition to make a name in the world exercises a stronger influence over him than ever.All in our favor, my reverend friend--all in our favor!
I took the liberty of asking to see Penrose alone for a moment;and, this request granted, Romayne and I parted cordially.I can make most people like me, when I choose to try.The master of Vange Abbey is no exception to the rule.Did I tell you, by-the-by, that the property has a little declined of late in value? It is now not worth more than six thousand a year._We_will improve it when it returns to the Church.
My interview with Penrose was over in two minutes.Dispensing with formality, I took his arm, and led him into the front garden.
"I have heard all about it," I said; "and I must not deny that you have disappointed me.But I know your disposition, and I make allowances.You have qualities, dear Arthur, which perhaps put you a little out of place among us.I shall be obliged to report what you have done--but you may trust me to put it favorably.
Shake hands, my son, and, while we are still together, let us be as good friends as ever."You may think that I spoke in this way with a view to my indulgent language being repeated to Romayne, and so improving the position which I have already gained in his estimation.Do you know, I really believe I meant it at the time! The poor fellow gratefully kissed my hand when I offered it to him--he was not able to speak.I wonder whether I am weak about Arthur? Say a kind word for him, when his conduct comes under notice--but pray don't mention this little frailty of mine; and don't suppose Ihave any sympathy with his weak-minded submission to Mrs.
Romayne's prejudices.If I ever felt the smallest consideration for _her_ (and I cannot call to mind any amiable emotion of that sort), her letter to Winterfield would have effectually extinguished it.There is something quite revolting to me in a deceitful woman.
In closing this letter, I may quiet the minds of our reverend brethren, if I assure them that my former objection to associating myself directly with the conversion of Romayne no longer exists.
Yes! even at my age, and with my habits, I am now resigned to hearing, and confuting, 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.