in the right place. Now, as I understand his
scruples, he felt that he might honorably speak out. His zeal more than
balanced his weakness, as you will presently see.

He was loud, he was positive, when I heard him next. "No!" he burst
out, "your refuge is not in books, and not in the barren religious forms
which call themselves Protestant. Dear master, the peace of mind, which
you believe you have lost forever, you will find again in the divine
wisdom and compassion of the holy Catholic Church. There is the remedy
for all that you suffer! There is the new life that will yet make you a
happy man!"

I repeat what he said, so far, merely to satisfy you that we can trust
his enthusiasm, when it is once roused. Nothing will discourage,
nothing will defeat him now. He spoke with all the eloquence of
conviction--using the necessary arguments with a force and feeling which
I have rarely heard equaled. Romayne's silence vouched for the effect on
him. He is not the man to listen patiently to reasoning which he thinks
he can overthrow.

Having heard enough to satisfy me that Penrose had really begun the good
work, I quietly slipped out of the waiting-room and left the hotel.

To-day being Sunday, I shall not lose a post if I keep my letter open
until to-morrow. I have already sent a note to Penrose, asking him to
call on me at his earliest convenience. There may be more news for you
before post time.

Monday, 10 A.M..

There _is_ more news. Penrose has just left me.

His first proceeding, of course, was to tell me what I had already
discovered for myself. He is modest, as usual, about the prospect of
success which awaits him. But he has induced Romayne to suspend his
historical studies for a few days, and to devote his attention to the
books which we are accustomed to recommend for perusal in such cases as
his. This is unquestionably a great gain at starting.

But my news is not at an end yet. Romayne is actually playing our
game--he has resolved definitely to withdraw himself from the influence
of Miss Eyrecourt! In another hour he and Penrose will have left London.
Their destination is kept a profound secret. All letters addressed to
Romayne are to be sent to his bankers.

The motive for this sudden resolution is directly traceable to Lady
Loring.

Her ladyship called at the hotel yesterday evening, and had a private
interview with Romayne. Her object, no doubt, was to shake his
resolution, and to make him submit h