第92章

FATHER BENWELL'S CORRESPONDENCE

_To the Secretary, S.J., Rome._

I.

I BEG to acknowledge the receipt of your letter.You mention that our Reverend Fathers are discouraged at not having heard from me for more than six weeks, since I reported the little dinner given to Romayne at my lodgings.

I am sorry for this, and more than sorry to hear that my venerated brethren are beginning to despair of Romayne's conversion.Grant me a delay of another week--and, if the prospects of the conversion have not sensibly improved in that time, I will confess myself defeated.Meanwhile, I bow to superior wisdom, without venturing to add a word in my own defense.

II.

The week's grace granted to me has elapsed.I write with humility.At the same time I have something to say for myself.

Yesterday, Mr.Lewis Romayne, of Vange Abbey, was received into the community of the Holy Catholic Church.I inclose an accurate newspaper report of the ceremonies which attended the conversion.

Be pleased to inform me, by telegraph, whether our Reverend Fathers wish me to go on, or not.