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

S06ACo llVUlO LID CCtO0 WuGH lie ell
tered the room, and observed a num-
Der of details of dress and manner which
showed that he was not versed in the
usages of fashionable life despite his
early experiences. These lapses, or
rather differences, did not affect me dis
agreeably-indeed. was well content
that he should be as unlike as possible
the dlppant youths Of SO called society
but they were much more noticeable
than when he was in the midst of such
artistic surroundings as he found at
Miss Kingsley's.
judged it best to enter at once on the
matter had at heart
''You will pardon me, am sure, Mr..
Spence, for taking up your valuable
time, when tell you my reason 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
could devote myself thoroughly and sys-
tematically, and one that was wholly in
sympathy with what | feel to be my
tastes and aspirations. have great
deal of time at my disposal, and have
bSCOluO WEAKLY vi UllS dluuSSHlGuUS VI SO-
ciety and of the merely superficial char
acter Of my studies hitherto. The exer-
cises to which had the good fortune to
listen at Miss Kngsley's the other even
ing were almost q revelation to me.
They confirmed at least the opinion |
had begun to have, that outside of what
the world calls fashionable circles there
is class of people who. like your
self, find their happiness in intellectual
aims and pleasures. So much interested
was by what heard then that have
decided, after some hesitation on the
score of troubling you, to offer myself as
student of your system of moderation.
1t may be-" | added, speaking hurriedly
in my desire to put the matter clearly
before him, and yet not to be prolix,
'you do not care for the cooperation of
persons so little advanced as |; for tell
you honestly that though tolerably pro-
fcient in what are known as accom-
plishments, am ignorant of all that ap-
pertains to serious knowledge. But be-
ieve me when say that am thorough
ly in earnest, and will devote myself to
the cause with all my heart, in case you
think me able to be of assistance.S
Mr.. Spence heard me to the end with
out interruption, had looked straight
before me, intent alone upon presenting
my case in such light that while he
knew the worst, he would not reject my
request to become one of his pupils. Nor
did he reply at once | glanced at him,
and saw that he was blushing; but he
mastered his confusion, and said quietly:
"Miss 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 l regard as a
truth vital to the well being of human
ity. You know the leading features of
my system already. | will not disguise
from you that an advocacy of them will
expose you to publicity, it may be to
ridicule. Our converts are as yet few.
and in order to be of service, those who
devote themselves 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 may decide not to adopt it in
the end, Mr.. Spence" said, not wish
ing to commit myself irrevocably. 81
am very much interested in your ideas,
but should prefer to be accepted mere
ly as a student until am more familiar
with them. AS have said, I am very
| ignorant of all such matters, and need
instruction. have spoken toyou rather
to ask your advice as to whom to select
as teacher than to offer myself as an
active convert. The rest will come in
time, have no doubt, for am greatly
attracted by what have heard already.
81 see. You are right" said he. "Pre-
cipitation is directly opposed to the spirit
of my theories. should have said you
were already qualified to become an act
i've worker, but you are the best judge,
and, as you have mentioned, you 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.
81 am rejecting"
81 should expect to pay any competent
person literally"
He flushed little, and after an instant
said:
81 thought at first that I might see my
way to offering myself as an instructor,
but on reflection find it would be diff.
cult for me to find time. I know of NJ
better persons to suggest than one of GU
friends of the other evening-Mr. Fleiscl
or Miss Kingsley. Either of them is ad
mirably well informed and intelligent.
ooh, but if you could arrange it so,
should much prefer you, Mr.. Spence"
exclaimed, with genuine eagerness. IS
did not dare to imagine that such an al
rangement was possible. But now tina
I you have suggested it yourself, | can
not give up the idea without remon
STRANGE"
| looked at him beseechingly, and h
blushed again in a manner to cause m
self consciousness. He hesitated, an