" He turned to Arthur. "I have my own set of rooms, Mr. Penrose,"
he continued--"with a room at your disposal. I used to enjoy
the solitude of my house in the country. My tastes have lately
changed--there are times now when I want to see the life in the streets,
as a relief. Though we are in a hotel, I can promise that you will not
be troubled by interruptions, when you kindly lend me the use of your
pen."
Father Benwell answered before Penrose could speak. "You may perhaps
find my young friend's memory of some use to you, Mr. Romayne, as well
as his pen. Penrose has studied in the Vatican Library. If your
reading leads you that way, he knows more than most men of the rare old
manuscripts which treat of the early history of Christianity."
This delicately managed reference to the projected work on "The Origin
of Religions" produced its effect.
"I should like very much, Mr. Penrose, to speak to you about those
manuscripts," Romayne said. "Copies of some of them may perhaps be
in the British Museum. Is it asking too much to inquire if you are
disengaged this morning?"
"I am entirely at your service, Mr.
Pages:
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117