Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1891-08-09
Copurlahted.
lcoNrrNurn.-

spence, for taking up your valuable
time, when I tell you my reassn for ask
Ing you TO call upon me. will be frank
and say that have been for some time
anxious to find an interest to which I
could devote myself thoroughly and svs-
tematically, and one that was wholly in
sympathy with what / feel to be nv
tastes and aspirations. have a great
oeal OF time at my disposal, and have
become weary Of the amusement Of so
ciety and OF the merely superficial char
acter OF my studies hitherto. The exer-
cises to which had the good fortune 20
listen at Miss KingSley's the other even
Ing were almost revelation to me.
They confirmed at least the opinion ]
had begun to have, that outside of what
the world calls fashionable circles there
is a class Of people who, like yourself,
ind their happiness in intellectual aims
and pleasures. So much interested was
by what heard then that / have de-
cided, after some hesitation on the
score Of troubling you, TO offer myself as
student Of your system of moderation.
It may be" I added, speaking hurriedly
IN my desire to put the matter clearly
before him, and yet not to be prolix,
lyon do not care for the cooperation OF
persons so little advanced as 1; for l tell
you honestly that though tolerably pro-
hcient in what are known as accom-
plishments, 1 am ignorant of all that APP
pertains to serious knowledge. But be-
heve me when say that am thorough
ly in earnest, and will devote myself 10
the cause with all my heart, in case you
think me able to be of assistance"
Mr.. Spence heard me to the end with
out interruption. l had looked straight
before me, intent alone upon presenting
my case In such u light that while he
knew the worst, he would not reject my
request to become one OF his pupils. Nor
did be reply at once. I glanced at him,
and saw that he was bluShing; but he
mastered his confusion, and said quietly:
'NliSS Harlan, have / received few
compliments in my life more acceptable
than that comprised in what you have
just said to me. 1t is precisely TO such
alert and reflective minds as yours that
/ wish to make my theories interesting.
] am devoting the sum of my energies
TO the propagation Of what / regard as a
truth vital TO the well being Of human
itY. You know the leading features Of
my system already. I will not disguise
from you that an advocacy Of them will
expose you 70 publicity, ii may be to
ridicule. Our converts are as yet few,
and in order 70 be OF service, those who
devote themsel YES to the work must be
enthusiastic. do not say this because
/ doubt your sincerity or steadfastness;
probably you have considered these
things already. But it is right that you
should be fully informed regarding the
character of the cause you propose TO
adopt"
but 1 may decide not TO adopt it in
the end, Mr.. Spence, I said, not wish
ing TO commit myself irrevocably. Il
am very much interested in your ideas,
but should prefer to be accepted mere
u as a student until am more familiar
with them. AS have said, 1 am very
ignorant Of all such matters, and need
Instruction. l have spoken 10 you
-,ntber TO ask your advice as TO whom
Aect as a teacher than TO offer my
sslf ~ active convert. The rest will |
come m tlmise.-{ ave 10 'doT65ES, FOR l an
greatly attracted by what / have heard /
already"
II see. You are right" said he. PRE- |
cipitation Is directly opposed to the
spirit Of my theories. l should have
said YOU were already qualified to be-
come an active worker, but you are the
best Judge, and, as you have mentioned,
Won will be able TO become familiar with
the system at your leisure"
He paused and seemed to be absorbed
in thought, as though he were debating
with himself.
''Do you know Of any good teacher
inquired.
II am rejecting"
81 should expect to pay any competent
person literally.
He flushed little, and after an instant
said:
II thought at first that might see my
wav 10 Offering myself as an instructor,
hut on reflection 1 find it would be din
cnlt for me to find time. I know OF no
better persons to suggest than one OF our
friends OF the other evening-Mr'
Fleisb or Miss Kingsley. Either OF them
is admirably we'll informed and inteih-
gent" g 60 7
shonld much prefer you" Mr.. Spence
I exclaimed, with genuine eagerneSS' 1
did not dare to imagine that such an ar
rengement was possible. But now tnat
Won have suggested it YOURSELF L can
not give up tho idea without remOn-
looked at him beseechingly, and ne
blnshed again in manner 10 cause me
self consciousness. He heSltateo' anu
hen In a decided tone, as II he were re-
sisting a temptation, said;
sTt Is out OF the question, Miss mar
have not time. Mr.. Flesh Is
anNexcellent instructor.
every well: Mr.. Fleish then. an
swered. a little upset by his confusion
ssWill YOU speak TO him about IL ana al
range the terms? 800
He assented, and the awkward pause
that followed was relieved by the en-
trance at the same moment OF Auu'
Helen and Mr.. Barr, though not IN COM
Danv II need scarcely be added
Amt Helen was in one her ricneS'
md most imposing street costumes
whereas the artist-poet wore oiaSA se,-
veteen instead Of brown, and ho"5ns
yellow tie instead Of cherry one one
regarded him, could see, with mkt
,re OF horror and wonder, which lea me
- once to perform the duty OF gem
go Introduction, preliminary 70 taxing
,,ossession OF Mr.. Barr, and relegating
Amt Helen the less unconventional
~bilosopher. Paul Barr, however, ooWeO
- bsr in so superb and deferentiai .
~ that thought she looked ratner
s".+ered than otherwise, which renewed
worst appreheRsiOns, and lounu
yalf straightway chatting with Nun
a cpirifpQ vein.