He innocently caught her in the act of
looking at him. A younger woman, or a woman of weaker character, would
have looked away again. Stella's noble head drooped; her eyes sank
slowly, until they rested on her long white hands crossed upon her lap.
For a moment more Romayne looked at her with steady attention.
He roused himself, and spoke to Lord Loring in lowered tones.
"Have you known Miss Eyrecourt for a long time?"
"She is my wife's oldest and dearest friend. I think, Romayne, you would
feel interested in Stella, if you saw more of her."
Romayne bowed in silent submission to Lord Loring's prophetic remark.
"Let us look at the pictures," he said, quietly.
As he moved down the gallery, the two priests met him. Father
Benwell saw his opportunity of helping Penrose to produce a favorable
impression.
"Forgive the curiosity of an old student, Mr. Romayne," he said in
his pleasant, cheerful way. "Lord Loring tells me you have sent to the
country for your books. Do you find a London hotel favorable to study?"
"It is a very quiet hotel," Romayne answered, "and the people know my
ways.
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