park, November 16.--Stella's married life is not likely to be a
happy one. To-day's newspaper announces the conversion of her husband to
the Roman Catholic Faith. I can honestly say I am sorry for her, knowing
how she has suffered, among her own relatives, by these conversions.
But I so hate him, that this proof of his weakness is a downright
consolation to me.

Beaupark, January 27, 1862.--A letter from Stella, so startling and
deplorable that I cannot remain away from her after reading it. Her
husband has deliberately deserted her. He has gone to Rome, to serve
his term of probation for the priesthood. I travel to London by to-day's
train.

London, January 27.--Short as it is, I looked at Stella's letter again
and again on the journey. The tone of the closing sentences is still
studiously cold. After informing me that she is staying with her mother
in London, she concludes her letter in these terms:

"Be under no fear that the burden of my troubles will be laid on your
shoulders. Since the fatal day when we met at Ten Acres, you have shown
forbearance and compassion toward me. I don't stop to inquire if you are
sincere--it rests with you to prove that. But I have some questions to
ask, which no person but you can answer. For the rest, my friendless
position will perhaps plead with you not to misunderstand me. May I
write again?"

Inveterate distrust in every sentence! If any other woman had treated me
in this way, I should have put her letter into the fire, and should not
have stirred from my comfortable house.

January 29.--A day missed out of my Diary. The events of yesterday
unnerved me for the time.

Arriving at Derwent's Hotel on the evening of the 27th, I sent a line to
Stella by messenger, to ask when she could receive me.

It is strange how the merest trifles seem to touch women! Her note in
reply contains the first expression of friendly feeling toward me
which has escaped her since we parted at Brussels. And this expression
proceeds from her ungovernable surprise and gratitude at my taking the
trouble to travel from Devonshire to London on her account!

For the rest, she proposed to call on me at the hotel the next morning.
She and her mother, it appeared, differed in opinion on the subject of
Mr. Romayne's behavior to her; and she wished to see me, in the first
instance, unrestrained by Mrs. Eyrecourt's interference.

There was little sleep for me that night. I passed most of the time in
smoking