Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1881-05-07


Penrose."
"God help mel" she said to herself,
"the priest has got between us al
~aadui"
CHAPTER II-PENRosE AND RoMAYNE.
On the next day Penrose arrived on
his visit to Romayne. The affectionate
meeting between the two men tested
Stella's self-control as it had never been
tried yet. She submitted to the ordeal
with the courage of woman whose
happiness depended on her outward
graciousness of manner toward her
husbands friend. Her reception of
Penrose, viewed rs an act of ro6ned
courtesy, was beyond reproach. When
she found her opportunity of leaving
the room, Romayne gratefully opened
the door for her. "Thank you" he
whispered, with look which was in
tended to reward her.
She only bowed to him, and took
refuge in her own room.
Even in trihes a woman's nature is
degraded by the falsities of language
and manner which the artificial condi-
tion of modern society exacts from
her When she yields herself to more
serious deceptions, intended to protect
her dearest domestic interests, the mis-
chief is increased in proportion. De-
ceit. which is the natural weapon of de-
fense used by the weak creature
against the strong, then ceases to be
confined within the limits assigned by
the scene of sclf-rospect and by the re-
straints of education. A woman in this
position will descend, self blinded, to
aets of meanness which would be re-
voting to her if they We're related of
another person. Stella had already be-
gun the process of self-degradation By
writing secretly to Winterfield. 1t was
only to warn him of the danger of trust
ing Father Benwell-but it was n letter
claiming him as her accomplice in an
act of deception. That morning she had
received Penrose with the outward cor
dialities of welcome which are offered to
an old and dear friend. And now, in
the safe solitude of her room, she had
fallen to a lower depth still. She was
deliberately considering the safest
means Of acquainting herself with the
confidential conversation which Ro-
maync and Penrosc would certainly
hold when she left them together.
" He will try to set my husband against
me, and l have right to know what
means he uses in my own defense"
With that thought she reconciled her.
self to an action which she would have
despised if she had heard of it as the
action of another woman.
1t was beautiful autumn day,
frightened by clear sunshine, enlivened
by crisp air. Stella put on her hat and
went out for o stroll in the grounds.
While she was within view from the
windows of the servants offices sh.
walked away from the house. Turning
the corner of shrubbery, she entered
winding path on the other side, which
led back to the lawn under Romayne's
study window. Garden chairs wero
placed here and there. She took ono
of them and seated herself-after last
moment of honorable hesitation-wherc
she could hear the mems voices through
the open window above her.
Penrose was speaking at the time.
"Yes. Father Benwell has granted
me holiday" he said; "but I don't
come here to be an idle man. You
must allow me to employ my term of
leave in the pleasantest of all ways. I
mean to be your secretary again."
Romayne sighed.
"Ah, if you knew how have missed
you"
Stella waited in breathless expecta-
tion for what Penrose would say TO this.
Would he speak of her? No. There
was natural tact and delicacy in him
which waited for the husband to intro.
duce the subject.
Penrose only said: Glow is the great
work getting on.'
The answer was stemly spoken in one
word; Badly"
81 am surprised to hear that, Ro-
mayne."
"Why? Were you as innocently
hopeful as was? Did you expect my
experience of married life to help me in
writing my book ?'
Penrose replied after pause, speak
ing little sadly.
81 expected your married life to en-
courage you IN all your highest aspira.
tions," he said.
Stella turned pale with suppressed
anger. He had spoken with perfect sin
cerity. The unhappy woman believed
that he lied for the express purpose OF
rousing irritation against her in her
husbands irritable mind. She listend
anxiously for Romayne's answer.
He made no answer. Penrose changed
the subject.
"You are not looking very WELL" he