The Black Robe Book the First Chapter 4

In which the subtle interplay of art and personal intrigue at Lord Loring's gallery reveals the quietly watchful Father Benwell's suspicions concerning the beautiful but enigmatic Miss Stella Eyrecourt, as he confers privately with the earnest young Penrose about the delicate matters of affection and influence. The conversation, veiled beneath polite criticism of a painting, hints at deeper affections and guarded intentions, as Father Benwell seeks to unveil the mysterious past of the lady in question and to protect the melancholy Romayne from unwelcome entanglements.