Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1881-05-21
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"Iou will understand that the one
alternative before me, after what has
happened, is to fill the place from which
Penrose has Withdrawn. But nothing can
be done until the visit of Penrose has
come to an end. Romayne's secret
sense of irritation may be safely left to
develop itself, with time to help it.
$50 I changed the conversation to
the subject of his literary labors. The
present state of his mind is not favor
able to work of that exacting kind. Even
with the help of Penrose to encourage
him, he does not get on to his satisfac-
ton and yet, as 1 could plainly per-
ceive, the ambition to make name in
the world exercises stronger influence
over him than ever All in our favor,
my reverend friend-all in our favor
81 took the liberty of asking to see
Penrosc alone for moment, and, this
request granted, Romayne and | parted
cordially. l can make most people
like me when 1 choose to try. The
master OF Vange Abby is no exception
to the rule. Did | tell you, by-the-bye,
that the property has little declined
of late in value? 1t IS now not more
than six thousand u year. We will i'm
prove it when it returns to the church.
"My interview with Penrose was over
in two minutes. Dispensing with all
formality, took his arm and led him to
the front garden.
"'I have heard all about it, L said,
'and L must not deny that you have dis
appointed me. But | know your dispo-
sition, and l make allowances. You
have qualities, dear Arthur, which por-
haps put you II title out of place among
us. | shall be oil Ii ,ed to report what
you have done, but you may trust mo
to put it favorable. Shake hands, my
son, and while VIC are together, let us
be as good friends as ever
"You may think that spoke in this
way with a view to my indulgent Ian
guage being repeated to Rom syae, aud
so Improving the position which have
already gained in his estimation. Do
you know / really believe | meant it at
the time The poor fellow gratefully
kissed my hand when l offered it to
him lie was really not able to speak.
/ almost fancy | am weak about Arthur /
Say kind word for him when his con-
duct comes under notice, but pray don't
mention this little frailtv of mine, and
don't suppose l have any sympathy with
his weak minded submis sion to Mrs.
Romayne's prejudice Ii ever felt the
smallest consideration Tor her land
cannot call to mind any amiable emo
ton OF that sort, her letter to Winter
field would have etlectually cxtin-
guished it. There is something quite
revolving TO me in deceitirll woman.
In closing this letter, may quiet
the minds of our reverend brethren If /
assure them that my former objection
to associating myself directly with the
conversion of Romayne no longer exists.
"Yes, even ut my age and with my
habits, 1 am now resigned to hearing
and confuting the trivial arguments of a
man who is young enough to be my
son. shall write carefully guarded
letter to Romayne on the departure OF
Penrose; and | shall send him book
to read, from the influence of which /
expect gratifying results. 1t is not a
controversial work (Arthur has been
beforehand with me there), it is Wise
mans Recollections of the Popes.' ]
look to that essentially readable book
to excite Romayne's imagination by
vivid descriptions of the splendors OF
the church, and the vast influence and
power of the higher priesthood. Does
this sudden enthusiasm of mine sur
prise you? And are you altogether at
loss to know what it means
cit means, my friends, that I see our
position toward Romayne in an entirely
new light. Forgive me if 1 say no
more for the present. prefer to be
silent until my audacity is justified by
events"