er, while they were waiting. "Plenty
of sugar, Arthur?" he inquired, when the coffee was brought in. "No!
Even in trifles, I should have been glad to feel that there was perfect
sympathy between us. I like plenty of sugar myself."

Having sweetened his coffee with the closest attention to the process,
he was at liberty to enlighten his young friend. He did it so easily
and so cheerfully that a far less patient man than Penrose would have
listened to him with interest.

CHAPTER III.

THE INTRODUCTION TO ROMAYNE.

"EXCEPTING my employment here in the library," Father Benwell began,
"and some interesting conversation with Lord Loring, to which I shall
presently allude, I am almost as great a stranger in this house, Arthur,
as yourself. When the object which we now have in view was first taken
seriously into consideration, I had the honor of being personally
acquainted with Lord Loring. I was also aware that he was an intimate
and trusted friend of Romayne. Under these circumstances, his lordship
presented himself to our point of view as a means of approaching
the owner of Vange Abbey without exciting distrust. I was charged
accordingly with the duty of establishing myself on terms of intimacy in
this house. By way of making room for me, the spiritual director of Lord
and Lady Loring was removed to a cure of souls in Ireland. And here I am
in his place! By-the-way, don't treat me (when we are in the presence of
visitors) with any special marks of respect. I am not Provincial of our
Order in Lord Loring's house--I am one of the inferior clergy."

Penrose looked at him with admiration. "It is a great sacrifice to make,
Father, in your position and at your age."

"Not at all, Arthur. A position of authority involves certain
temptations to pride. I feel this change as a lesson in humility which
is good for me. For example, Lady Loring (as I can plainly see) dislikes
and distrusts me. Then, again, a young lady has recently arrived here on
a visit. She is a Protestant, with all the prejudices incident to that
way of thinking--avoids me so carefully, poor soul, that I have never
seen her yet. These rebuffs are wholesome reminders of his fallible
human nature, to a man who has occupied a place of high trust and
command. Besides, there have been obstacles in my way which have had an
excellent effect in rousing my energies. How do you feel, Arthur, when
you encounter obstacles?"

"I do my best to remove them, Father. But