n life and death, Romayne
found his historical labors suspended by the want of a certain volume
which it was absolutely necessary to consult. He had mislaid the
references written for him by Penrose, and he was at a loss to remember
whether the book was in the British Museum, in the Bodleian Library, or
in the Bibliotheque at Paris. In this emergency a letter to his former
secretary would furnish him with the information that he required. But
he was ignorant of Penrose's present address. The Lorings might possibly
know it--so to the Lorings he resolved to apply.

CHAPTER III.

FATHER BENWELL AND THE BOOK.

ROMAYNE'S first errand in London was to see his wife, and to make
inquiries at Mrs. Eyrecourt's house. The report was more favorable than
usual. Stella whispered, as she kissed him, "I shall soon come back to
you, I hope!"

Leaving the horses to rest for a while, he proceeded to Lord Loring's
residence on foot. As he crossed a street in the neighborhood, he was
nearly run over by a cab, carrying a gentleman and his luggage. The
gentleman was Mr. Winterfield, on his way to Derwent's Hotel.

Lady Loring very kindly searched her card-basket, as the readiest means
of assisting Romayne. Penrose had left his card, on his departure from
London, but no address was written on it. Lord Loring, unable himself to
give the required information, suggested the right person to consult.

"Father Benwell will be here later in the day," he said. "If you will
write to Penrose at once, he will add the address. Are you sure, before
the letter goes, that the book you want is not in my library?"

"I think not," Romayne answered; "but I will write down the title, and
leave it here with my letter."

The same evening he received a polite note from Father Benwell,
informing him that the letter was forwarded, and that the book he wanted
was not in Lord Loring's library. "If there should be any delay or
difficulty in obtaining this rare volume," the priest added, "I only
wait the expression of your wishes, to borrow it from the library of a
friend of mine, residing in the country."

By return of post the answer, affectionately and gratefully written,
arrived from Penrose. He regretted that he was not able to assist
Romayne personally. But it was out of his power (in plain words, he
had been expressly forbidden by Father Benwell) to leave the service on
which he was then engaged. In reference to the book that was wanted, it
was quite