CHAPTER II.
THE JESUITS.
FATHER BENWELL rose, and welcomed the visitor with his paternal smile.
"I am heartily glad to see you," he said--and held out his hand with a becoming mixture of dignity and cordiality.

Penrose lifted the offered hand respectfully to his lips.

As one of the "Provincials" of the Order, Father Benwell occupied a high place among the English Jesuits.

He was accustomed to acts of homage offered by his younger brethren to their spiritual chief.

"I fear you are not well," he proceeded gently.