the man announced among his colleagues. "Give me half-a-crown, and went
out humming a tune."



CHAPTER VIII.

FATHER BENWELL'S CORRESPONDENCE

_To the Secretary, S. J., Rome._

I.

I BEG to acknowledge the receipt of your letter. You mention that our
Reverend Fathers are discouraged at not having heard from me for more
than six weeks, since I reported the little dinner given to Romayne at
my lodgings.

I am sorry for this, and more than sorry to hear that my venerated
brethren are beginning to despair of Romayne's conversion. Grant me a
delay of another week--and, if the prospects of the conversion have
not sensibly improved in that time, I will confess myself defeated.
Meanwhile, I bow to superior wisdom, without venturing to add a word in
my own defense.

II.

The week's grace granted to me has elapsed. I write with humility. At
the same time I have something to say for myself.