Romayne when I first see him; if he wins upon me, little by little,
until I love him like a brother--then, indeed, I can promise that his
conversion shall be the dearest object of my life. But if there is not
this intimate sympathy between us--forgive me if I say it plainly--I
implore you to pass me over, and to commit the task to the hands of
another man."

His voice trembled; his eyes moistened. Father Benwell handled his young
friend's rising emotion with the dexterity of a skilled angler humoring
the struggles of a lively fish.

"Good Arthur!" he said. "I see much--too much, dear boy--of self-seeking
people. It is as refreshing to me to hear you, as a draught of water to
a thirsty man. At the same time, let me suggest that you are innocently
raising difficulties, where no difficulties exist. I have already
mentioned as one of the necessities of the case that you and Romayne
should be friends. How can that be, un less there is precisely that
sympathy between you which you have so well described? I am a sanguine
man, and I believe you will like each other. Wait till you see him."

As the words passed his lips, the door that led to the picture gallery
was opened. Lord Loring entered the library.

He looked quickly round him--apparently in search of some person who
might, perhaps, be found in the room. A shade of annoyance showed itself
in his face, and disappeared again, as he bowed to the two Jesuits.

"Don't let me disturb you," he said, looking at Penrose. "Is this the
gentleman who is to assist Mr. Romayne?"