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"Have you seen the famous portrait of the first Lady Loring, by
Gainsborough?" he asked. Without waiting for a reply, he took Penrose
by the arm, and led him away to the picture--which had the additional
merit, under present circumstances, of hanging at the other end of the
gallery.
"How do you like Romayne?" Father Benwell put the question in low
peremptory tones, evidently impatient for a reply.
"He interests me already," said Penrose. "He looks so ill and so sad,
and he spoke to me so kindly--"
"In short," Father Benwell interposed, "Romayne has produced a favorable
impression on you. Let us get on to the next thing. You must produce a
favorable impression on Romayne."
Penrose sighed. "With the best will to make myself agreeable to people
whom I like," he said, "I don't always succeed. They used to tell me
at Oxford that I was shy--and I am afraid that is against me. I wish I
possessed some of your social advantages, Father!"
"Leave it to me, son! Are they still talking about the picture?"
"Yes."
"I have something more to say to you.


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