Stella made no effort, on her side, to answer him in the same tone.
"I almost wish I really had some influence over you," she said, gravely and sadly.
"Why ?" "I should try to induce you to shut up your books, and choose some living companion who might restore you to your happier self." "It is already done," said Romayne; "I have a new companion in Mr.
Penrose." "Penrose ?" she repeated.

"He is the friend--is he not--of the priest here, whom they call Father Benwell ?" "Yes." "I don't like Father Benwell." "Is that a reason for disliking Mr.Penrose ?" "Yes," she said, boldly, "because he is Father Benwell's friend." "Indeed, you are mistaken, Miss Eyrecourt.

Mr.Penrose only entered yesterday on his duties as my secretary, and I have already had reason to think highly of him.

Many men, after _that_ experience of me," he added, speaking more to himself than to her, "might have asked me to find another secretary." Stella heard those last words, and looked at him in astonishment.

"Were you angry with Mr.Penrose ?" she asked innocently.