FATHER BENWELL'S CORRESPONDENCE.
I.
_Arthur Penrose to Father Benwell._
REVEREND AND DEAR FATHER--When I last had the honor of seeing you,
I received your instructions to report, by letter, the result of my
conversations on religion with Mr. Romayne.
As events have turned out, it is needless to occupy your time by
dwelling at any length on this subject, in writing. Mr. Romayne has been
strongly impressed by the excellent books which I have introduced to his
notice. He raises certain objections, which I have done my best to meet;
and he promises to consider my arguments with his closest attention,
in the time to come. I am happier in the hope of restoring his
mental tranquillity--in other and worthier words, of effecting his
conversion--than I can tell you in any words of mine. I respect and
admire, I may almost say I love, Mr. Romayne.
The details which are wanting in this brief report of progress I shall
have the privilege of personally relating to you. Mr. Romayne no longer
desires to conceal himself from his friends. He received a letter
this morning which has changed all his plans, and has decided him on
immediately returning to London. I am not acquainted with the contents
of the letter, or with the name of the writer; but I am pleased, for Mr.
Romayne's sake, to see that the reading of it has made him happy.
By to-morrow evening I hope to present my respects to you.
II.
_Mr. Bitrake to Father Benwell._
SIR--The inquiries which I have instituted at your request have proved
successful in one respect.
I am in a position to tell you that events in Mr. Winterfield's life
have unquestionably connected him with the young lady named Miss Stella
Eyrecourt.
The attendant circumstances, however, are not so easy to discover.
Judging by the careful report of the person whom I employ, there must
have been serious reasons, in this case, for keeping facts secret and
witnesses out of the way. I mention this, not to discourage you, but to
prepare you for delays that may occur on our way to discovery.
Be pleased to preserve your confidence in me, and to give me time--and I
answer for the result.