Instead of being amused, he appeared to be anxious for more information.
"In what capacity am I to be Mr.Romayne's companion ?" he asked.
Father Benwell poured himself out another cup of coffee.
"Suppose I tell you first," he suggested, "how circumstances present Romayne to us as a promising subject for conversion.

He is young; still a single man; not compromised by any illicit connection; romantic, sensitive, highly cultivated.

No near relations are alive to influence him; and, to my certain knowledge, his estate is not entailed.

He has devoted himself for years past to books, and is collecting materials for a work of immense research, on the Origin of Religions.

Some great sorrow or remorse--Lord Loring did not mention what it was--has told seriously on his nervous system, already injured by night study.