Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1881-02-26
WHOLE NUMBER, 499

Nv hlN
He has devoted himself for years past
to books, and is collecting materials for
q work of immonse research on tho
Origin Of Religion. Some great sorrow
or remorse-Lord Loring did not men,
tion what it was-has told seriously on
his nervous system, already injured by
night study. Add to this, that lie is now
within our reach. He has lately returned
to London, and is living quite alone at
private hotel. For some reason which
/ am not acquainted with he keeps
away from vange Abbey-the very
place, as / should have thought, for q
studious man."
Penrose began to be interested.
"Have you been to the Abbey2" he
said.
"I made little excursion to that
part of Yorkshire, Arthur, not long
since. A very pleasant trip-apart from
the painful associations connected with
the ruin and proclamation of a sacred
| place. There is no doubt about the
revenues. know the value OF that
| productive part OF the estate which
stretches southward, away from the bar
rem region round the house. Let us
return for q moment to Romayne, and
to your position as his future conpan-
ion. He has had his books sent to him
from Vange, and has persuaded himself
that continued study is the one remedy
for his troubles. whatever they may be.
At Lord Loring's suggestion, consul
tation of physicians was held on his case
the other day"
els he so ill as that!" Penrose ex-
claimed.
$50 it appears" Father Benwell re-
piled. "Lord Loring is mysteriously
silent about the illness. Que result Of
the consultation 1 extracted from him.
in which you are interested. The doc
tors protested against his employing
himself on his proposed book. He was
too obstinate to listen to them. There
was but one concession that they could
gain from him-he consented to spare
himself, in some small degree, by en-
ploying an amanuensis. It was left TO
Lord Loring to find the man. I was
consulted by his lordship; 1 was even
invited to undertake the duty myself.
Each one in his proper sphere, my son!
The person who converts Romayne must
be young enough and pliable enough to
be his friend and companion. Your
part is there, Arthur you are the future
amanuensis. How does the prospect
strike you now"
"I beg your pardon, fatherl I fear
am unworthy of the confidence which
is placed in me-
"In what way?'
Penrose answered with runfeigned
humility:
"I am afraid 1 may fail to justify
your belief in me-" he said, "unless I
can really feel that am converting Mr..
Romayne for his own souls sake. How
ever righteous the cause may be, I can
not find, in the restitution of the church
property, sufficient motive for per-
suading him to change his religious
faith. There is something so serious in
the responsibility which you lay on me,
that shall sink under the burden un-
less my whole heart is in the work. Ii
IAeel attracted toward Mr.. Romayne
when I first see him, if he wins upon
me, little by little, until love him like
a brother-then, indeed, can promise
that his conversion shall be the dearest
object Of my life. But, if there is not
this intimate sympathy between US
forgive me if I say it plainly-I implore
you to pass me over, and to commit the
task to the hands Of another man."
His voice trembled; his eyes moist
ened. Father Benwell handled his
young friends rising emotion with the
dexterity of skilled angler humoring
the struggles of lively fish.
"Good Arthur! |" he said, "I see
much--too much, dear boy-of self
seeking people. 1t is as refreshing to
me to hear you as draught of water to
thirsty man. At the same time, let
me suggest that you are innocently rails
ing difficulties where no difficulties
exist. Ihave already mentioned as one
of the necessities of the case that you
and Romayne should be friends. How
can that be unless there is precisely tina.
sympathy between you which you have
80 well described? I ara sanguine
man, and believe you will like each
other. Wait till you see him."
As the words passed his lips the door
that led to the picture gallery was
opened. Lord Loring entered the
library.
He looked quickly round him-ap-
parently in search of some person who
might, perhaps, be found in the room.
A transient shade of annoyance showed
itself in his face, and disappeared again,
as he bowed.
"Don't let me disturb you," he said,
looking at Penrose. els this the gen
tleman who is to assist Mr.. Romayne ?"
| Jl,t1.ox big