Father Benwell surprised the wounded gentlewoman by rising
to his feet.
"You are not going away already, Father?"
"Time flies fast in your society, dear Miss Notman. I have an
engagement--and I am late for it already."
The housekeeper smiled sadly. "At least let me hear that you don't
disapprove of my conduct under trying circumstances," she said.
Father Benwell took her hand. "A true Christian only feels offenses to
pardon them," he remarked, in his priestly and paternal character. "You
have shown me, Miss Notman, that _you_ are a true Christian. My evening
has indeed been well spent. God bless you!"
He pressed her hand; he shed on her the light of his fatherly smile;
he sighed, and took his leave. Miss Notman's eyes followed him out with
devotional admiration.
Father Benwell still preserved his serenity of temper when he was out of
the housekeeper's sight. One important discovery he had made, in spite
of the difficulties placed in his way. A compromising circumstance had
unquestionably occurred in Stella's past life; and, in all probability,
a man was in some way connected with it.
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