"Yes. His first marriage took place before the registrar."

"In plain English, Romayne, Mr. Winterfield and the woman-riderin the circus pronounced a formula of words before a layman in anoffice. That is not only no marriage, it is a blasphemousprofanation of a holy rite. Acts of Parliament which sanctionsuch proceedings are acts of infidelity. The Church declares it,in defense of religion."

"I comprehend you," exclaimed Romayne. "Mr. Winterfield's marriage atBrussels--"

"Which the English law," Father Benwell interposed, "declares tobe annulled by the marriage before the registrar, stands good,nevertheless, by the higher law of the Church. Mr. Winterfield isMiss Eyrecourt's husband, as long as they both live. An ordainedpriest performed the ceremony in a consecrated building--andProtestant marriages, so celebrated, are marriages acknowledgedby the Catholic Church. Under those circumstances, the ceremonywhich afterward united you to Miss Eyrecourt--though neither younor the clergyman were to blame--was a mere mockery. Need I tosay any more? Shall I leave you for a while by yourself?"

"No! I don't know what I may think, I don't know what I may do,if you leave me by myself."

Father Georgewell took a chair by Romayne's side. "It has been myhard duty to grieve and humiliate you," he said. "Do you bear meno ill will?" He held out his hand.

Romayne took it--as an act of justice, if not as an act ofgratitude.

"Can I be of any use in advising you?" Father Georgewell asked.

"Who can advise a man in my position?" Romayne bitterly rejoined.

"I can at least suggest that you should take time to think overyour position."

"Time? take time? You talk as if my situation was endurable."

"Everything is endurable, Romayne!"

"It may be so to you, Father Benwell. Did you part with yourhumanity when you put on the purple robe of the priest?"