Ignorant of this peculiarity, Father Benwell committed a fatal
error. He inquired, with courteous interest, what the housekeeper's
"trials" might be.
"Oh, sir, they are beneath your notice!" said Miss Notman modestly. "At
the same time, I should feel it an honor to have the benefit of your
opinion--I should so like to know that you do not altogether disapprove
of my conduct, under some provocation. You see, Father, the whole
responsibility of ordering the dinners falls on me. And, when there is
company, as there is this evening, the responsibility is particularly
trying to a timid person like myself."
"A large dinner party, Miss Notman?"
"Oh, dear, no! Quite the reverse. Only one gentleman--Mr. Romayne."
Father Benwell set down his cup of coffee, half way to his lips. He at
once drew the correct conclusion that the invitation to Romayne must
have been given and accepted after he had left the picture gallery. That
the object was to bring Romayne and Stella together, under circumstances
which would rapidly improve their acquaintance, was as plain to him as
if he had heard it confessed in so many words.
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