I said I had seen him, and waited, anticipating the next question.
Romayne fulfilled my expectations. He inquired if Winterfield had left
London.
There are certain cases (as I am told by medical authorities) in which
the dangerous system of bleeding a patient still has its advantages.
There are other cases in which the dangerous system of telling the truth
becomes equally judicious. I said to Romayne, "If I answer you honestly,
will you consider it as strictly confidential? Mr. Winterfield, I regret
to say, has no intention of improving his acquaintance with you. He
asked me to conceal from you that he is still in London."
Romayne's face plainly betrayed that he was annoyed and irritated.
"Nothing that you say to me, Father Benwell, shall pass the walls
of this room," he replied. "Did Winterfield give any reason for not
continuing his acquaintance with me?"
I told the truth once more, with courteous expressions of regret.
"Mr. Winterfield spoke of an ungracious reception on the part of Mrs.
Romayne."
He started to his feet, and walked irritably up and down the room.
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