The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-08-28

rance OF IL! ct L reasoned C0aC al ter
I'll had made no final decision | was
attracted, it is true, by what might be
called visionary theory, but when |
had given the principles of moderation
further thought, might conclude not to
devote myself to them 1t would be
time enough later to speak Of the sub
ject. At present | was only too poorly
prepared to present the ideas of Mr..
Spence in an intelligent manner, and
should probably prejudice my father
against the whole system.
However, | could not refrain from a
few reflections on the apparent hostility
of practical men to pure theory, which
after all must be the basis of all intelli-
gent action How much nobler to help
to establish principles serviceable to hu-
mainly than to make later unconscious
use of those same principles to advance
ones own selfish interests. Why must
there needs be mutual disdain and cool
ness between those who thought and
those who acted? It had been easy for
me to perceive at a glance that there was
likely to be but little mutual sympathy
between my father and Mr.. Spence, and
the consciousness grieved me.
But did not falter in my purpose.
Mr.. Fleisch called to see me the follow
ing day and laid out an elaborate course
Of study. He was to come twice week
to examine me and give me suggestions,
but he said that my progress was mainly
dependent on my own exertions. bought
a number of books of his selection, and
tried to devote FIVE hours each day to
systematic work. My tasks were largely
of philosophical character, but poetry
and music of restrained sort were also
included in Mr.. Fleisch's instruction, and
he said that after the foundations were
laid should be taught the dangers of
extremes by studying examples OF the
overmuch and the undermuch.
At last was successful one day in
finding Aunt Agnes at home and alone.
1t was about week after my visit from
Mr.. Spence. | was disturbed at seeing
her brow contract at sight of me, but
my worst fears were realized when she
said:
Il do not wonder that you have pre-
ferred to keep away from me-"
"On the contrary, Aunt Agnes, have
called twice before this week"
when you knew was out, dare
say
There was 10 answering such logic as
this.
Il seem never to be able to satisfy
you," | said bravely. l had come to tell
you that | am studying hard under the
direction of Mr. Fleisch, favorite pupil
of Mr.. Spence, and am doing all can to
improve myself"
"Fiddlesticks! Tell mel"
But, Aunt Agnes, it is So
II have heard all about YOU You
can't tell me anything about the matter
| don't know already. We shall hear
next of your carrying your habit of firt-
ing into the sanctuary itself. You might
almost as well coquet with a minister Of
the holy Gospel as with him you have
selected to try your destinations on.
might have guessed what would be the
result of introducing you to sober mind
ed people. It was none of my work,
thank Heaven! Lucretia Kingsley has
herself to blame, for heard her give
you the invitation from her own lips
But blush for you as my niece. Nc
amount of proficiency or cleverness car
be palliation of your behavior.
Il have been maligned, Aunt Agnes,
| cried, with flashing eyes. "Some one
has told you pack of falsehoods. It il
not true that l have been flirting with
anybody. | have given up everything
of the kind, as l said I should. Who ha:
been accusing me? insist on knowing
who told you"
"No matter who told me. My au
thority is of the best"
II suppose it was your friend Mis-
Kingsley. l half suspected that sh
would misrepresent me in private"
"You admit, then. that you ar
guilty?'
IT admit nothing. IF, as your word
seem to imply, Miss Kingsley says
acted unbecomingly at her house, sh
does not speak the truth. She is jealous
The long and short of it is, Mr.. Spenc
was polite to me, and that made her an
cry. believe she wishes to marry hir
herself" l said, in the fullness of m
anger.
"Virginia! 1 am astonished at yor
1t will not mend matters to insult you
benefactors. What motive had Mis-
Kingsley, pray, in asking you to he
house but Hndness?"
"Pshawg' I cried, now thorough
reused. 'sShe asked me because sh
thought l was fashionable, and becaus
it would read well in the newspaper thu
had been at one of her tea partie
She imagined was so silly and brainle'
that her friends would take no notice {
ME, and when it turned out that the
did she lost her temper"
"Yon have lost yours, Virginia.
presume you will tell me presently tn;
Mr.. Spence firted with you. ] nev'
heard such nonsense in my life, al
, wicked nonsense too; for you are doir
: your best to injure the character of
, young woman who is in every way yo1
: superior, and has had none of your a
vantages. AS said. l presume you w
} claim that Mr.. Spence firted with 20
and that he wrote to you first.
: 'eWrote to me? He has never write
to me, nor | to him, except to ask b
advice about a teacher"