Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1881-05-28
BOOK THE FIFTH.

told drearily that winter had come.
An unchanging dullness pervaded the
house. Romayne was constantly absent
in London attending to his new religious
duties, under the guidance of Father
Benwell. The litter of books and man.
uscripts in the study was seen no more.
Hideously rigid order reigned in the un'
used room. Some of Romayne's papers
had been burnt, others were imprisoned
in drawers and cupboards-the history
OF the Origin of Religions had taken its
melancholy place among the suspended
literary enterprises of the time. Mrs.
Eyrecourt (after specifically cordial
reconciliation with her son-in-law) visit
ed her daughter every now and then as
an act of maternal sacrifice. She yawn,
ed perpetually; she read innumerable
novels; she corresponded with her
friends. In the long dull evenings the
once lively lady openly regretted that
she had not been born man, with the
three masculine resources of smoking,
drinking and swearing placed ut her dis
posal 1t was dreary existence, and
happier influences seemed but little
likely to change it. Grateful as she
was to her mother, no persuasion could
induce Stella to leave Ten Acres and
amuse herself in London. Mrs. Eyre
court said with melancholy and meta
phorical truth, "rhere is no elasticity
left in my child"
On dim gray morning mother and
daughter sat by the tireside, with anoth-
erlong day before them.
"Lewis is staying in town." Stella
answered, listlessly.
" In company with our enemyP"
Stella was too dull to Immediately un-
derstand the allusion. "Do you mean
Father Benwell ?" she inquired.
"Don't mention his name, my dear.
l have rechristened him ON purpose to
avoid it. Even his name humiliates
me. How completely the fawning old
wretch took me in-with all my knowI-
edge of the world, too! He was SO nice
and sympathetic such comforting
contrast, on that occasion, to you and
your husband-I declare forgot every
reason had for not trusting him. All
We women are poor creatures-we may
own it among ourselves. If man only
has nice manners and II pleasant voice
how many of us can resist him? Even
Bomayne imposed upon assisted
by his property, which in some degree
excuses my folly. There is nothing to
be done now, Stella, but to humor
him. Do as that detestable priest does
and trust to your beauty there isn't as
much of it left as 1 could wish) to turn
the scale in your favor. Have you any
idea when the new convert will come
back? l heard him ordering u fish din
nor for himself ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS it
was Friday. Did you join him at des-
sert-time, profanely supported by meat ?
What did he say?
"What he has said more than once
mamma. His peace of mind
is returning, thanks to Father Benwell.
He was perfectly gentle and indulgent,
but he looked as if he lived in Il differ
ent world from mine. He told me he
proposed to pass week in what he
called retreat. didn't ask him what it
meant. Whatever it is, suppose he is
there now
My dear, don't you remember your
sister began in the same way? She
retreated. We shall have Romayne
with red nose and double chin Offering
to pray for US next Do you recollect
that French maid of mine, Stella-the
woman I sent away because she would
spit when she was out of ten per like
cat begin to think treated the poor
creature harshly. When | hear of Ro.
maync and his retreat almost feel in
clined to spit myself. There, let us go
on with our reading. Take the first
volume-T have done with it,"
"What is it, mammal"
GA very remarkable work, Stella, in
the present state Of light literature in
novel that actually tells
story. It's quite incredible, [ know.
Try the book. 1t has another extraor-
dinary merit il. isn't written by
woman."
Stella obcdiently received the first
volume, turned over the leaves and
wearily dropped the wonderful novel ON
her lap.
81 can't attend to ~" she said. "My
mind is too full of my own thoughts"
"About Romayne?" said her mother.
"No. When think of my husband
now / almost wish | had his confidence
in priests and retreats. The conviction
grows on me, mamma, that my worst
troubles are still to come. When | was
younger 1 don't remember being tor
by prcsentiments of any kind.
Did l ever talk of presentiments to you
in the bygone days?"
at you had done anything of the
sort, my love excuse me if speak
plainly, should have said, Stella,
you liver is out of order,' and l should