Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1881-04-16
BOOK THE SECOND.


been talking about Clovelly," he contin-
ued. "I have just been spending lit
tie holiday in that delightful place. 1t
was surprise to me, Mrs. Eyrecourt, to
see so many really beautiful country
seats in the neighborhood. I was par
ticularly struck-you know it, Of course?
by Beaupark house."
Mrs. Eyrecourt's little twinkling eyes
suddenly became still and steady. 1t
was only for moment. But even that
trifing change boded Ill for the purpose
which the priest had in view.
Having the opportunity of turning
Stella's mother into valuable source
of information actually placed in his
hands, Father Benwell reasoned with
himself as he had reasoned at Miss Not
mans tea-table. A frivolous person was
person easily persuaded to gossip, and
not likely to be reticent in keeping se-
crets. In drawing this conclusion the
reverend father was justified by every
wise mans experience of human nature
but he forgot to make allowances for
the modifying influence Of circum-
stances. Even the wits Of fool can be
quickened by contact with the world.
For many years Mrs. Eyrecourt had
held her place in society, acting under
an intensely selfish sense Of her own
interests, fortified by those cunning
instincts which grow best in barren
intellect. Perfectly unworthy of being
trusted with secrets which only con-
cerned other people, this frivolous
creature could be the unassailable guar
dian Of secrets which concerned herself.
The instant the priest referred indi-
rectly to Winterield, by speaking of
Beaupark house, her instincts warned
her, as il in words: "Be careful for
Stella's sake!"
ooh, yes!" said Mrs. Eyrecourt. 81
know Beaupark house; but-may /
make confession ?" she added, With
her sweetest smile.
Father Benwell caught her tone with
his customary tact. "a confession at
ball is novelty. even in my ex-
perience," he answered, with his sweet
est smile.
How good of you to encourage
me p proceeded Mrs. Eyrecourt. "No,
thank you; I don't want to sit down.
My confession won't take long, and /
really must give that poor, pale daugh-
ter of mine glass of wine. A student
of human nature like you-they say all
priests are students of human nature
: accustomed, of course, to be consulted
in difficulties, and to hear real confes
sions, must know that we poor women
are sadly subject to whims and capri.
cal. We can't resist them as men do
and the dear, good men generally make
allowances for us. Well, do you know,
that place OF Mr.. Winterfield's is one OF
my oaprices. Oh, dear, I speak care.
lessly; I ought to have said, the place
represents one of my caprices. In
short, Father Benwell, Beaupsrk house
is perfectly odious to me, and I think
Clovelly the most over-rated place in
the world. 1 haven't the least reason
to give, but so it is. Excessively fool
ish of me. It's like Mysteries; 1 can't
help it. I'm sure you will forgive me.
There isn't place on the habitable
globe that I am not ready to feel inter-
ested in, except detestable Devonshire.
I am so sorry you went there. The
next time you have holiday, take my
advice try the Continent"
az should like it of all things" said
Father Renwell, "only don't speak
French. Allow me to get Miss Eyre.
court glass of wine"
He spoke with the most perfect tenn
per and tranquility. Having paid his
little attention to Stella, and having
relieved her Of the empty glass, he took
his leave, with parting request thor
oughly characteristic of the man.
"Are you staying in town, Mrs
Eyrecourt2" he asked.
"Oh, of course, at the height of the
season."
"May ! have the honor of calling Oh
you, and talking little more about the
Continentp"
If he had said it in SO many words he
could scarcely have informed Mrs.
Eyrecourt more plainly that he thor
oughly understood her, and that he
meant to try again. Strong In the
worldly training Of half lifetime, she
at once informed him of her address,
with the complimentary phrases proper
to the occasion. give o'clock tea on
Wednesdays, Father Benwell. Don't
folgetp
The moment he was gone she drew
her daughter into q q1iet corner.
Don't be frightened, Stella. GiS.;;