St Johns College - Yearbook (Annapolis, MD)

Page 129 text:

Y ' 'i M Y --.. -R A ' L i THE TWO SNIQHED

Page 128 text:

disseminator of ethical truth. In his book he reasoned that in humanity the mind is dominant over the heart, that, knowing this, man should school himself so that the heart's dictates can be no longer felt or used, and that the mind alone should be the governor of the soul. We may see clearly that such reasoning is in direct oppo- sition to any idea of the existence of true love, and Rudolph Barton felt that it existed only in name. How- everf, said he, I will follow out the course I have planned, for, although I am at present convinced that there is no love, yet whose opinions are so strong that they may not be changed? Perhapsf, he added, with a cynical laugh, some day I may ind myself in love. Who knows? UNO, no, master, you can never love. 'What natural love instinct there may have been within your heart you have killed, and I feel that your succeed- ing years will be miserable, inasmuch as you have denied yourself its comforts and its attendant joy, interposed Cecil. f'Comforts-attendant joy! Bah! You talk like a woman, or a man of weak mind. Be strong. Steel yourself against such a demoralizing .delusion as the much-vaunted and high-blown love. Take a pipe and be easyf' Rudolph handed the secretary a pipe, filled and lit his own of meerschaum, and by the light of the warm wood ire, the two smoked in silence. The tobacco fumes seemed to exert a peculiar soothing influence on them both, and for an hour or more neither spoke. The thoughts of these two men differed as Widely 1 1 l I F 120 as their natures, in the one we see an unsatished, inquir- ing mind, and an uneasy, unhappy nature,-in the other a contented, quiet disposition, Na mind accepting unques- tioningly existing conditions as they are. Rudolph, between puffs of smoke, gazed long and thoughtfully into the bright, glowing embers, while now and then a frown broke the calm, sad expression of his features. Cecil's face bore an expression indicative of the contentment and indifference he felt. Thus they sat there-each occupied with his thoughts, each absorbed in the contemplation of his life's work and mission, each considering the extent of his worth to the world. 4' Cecilf' said Rudolph Barton after a while, have you heard any more concern- ing the popularity and success of my philosophical treatise P, What did you learn with regard to it while in the metropolis? Sir,'l replied the secretary, your name is becoming well known. The world is beginning to regard you as a cynical genius. Some say you have been disappointed in life and are at variance with the World. Others hazard the opinion that you are insane, and that your work is but the fanciful creation of a diseased imagination. None except your friends know your life's historyf' After a short pause, Rudolph said: H Yes, my dear Cecil, I believe it is true that I am gain- ing notoriety, not to say fame. I have an idea. As you know, I shall leave this place very soon, within the next three or four months. 'When I rejoin society, it must be under a different name. Cecil, can I trust you P ' and

Page 130 text:

he leaned anxiously toward the secretary. Trust nie? Sir, you can, and with your life. I believe you, Cecil. Wliat I have to ask is this. You must never betray that I am the author of that book. The world must never know that Rudolph Arnold Cfor that is my new namel is the author of opinions considered so extra- ordinary. Wlieii convenient to me, I will reveal it. But why, master, do you not wish to claim the credit or discredit of the work?l' inquired the secretary. I will explain, replied Rudolph, you see, I am devoting my life to one great experiment and if I fail in its trial my life's work counts for naught. As you know, I would prove or disprove the existence of true love. We1'e the secret of the authorship of Heart vs. Mind to become known, it would not be as easy for me to pro- ceed in my undertaking. I must be fair in my trial and just in my decision. So far, I am of the opinion that there is no true love. VVhen I am with men again, I do not want them to know my convictions and opinions. I must be one of them in every way. I may inadvertently betray myself, but I shall guard against it. Therefore, I wish you to help me conceal the fact that I am the author of the bookf, As you say, sir, I will do it, replied Cecil. Very good, and now. Cecil, I wish to be awakened at an early hour to-morrow morning. I intend to walk, for I am sadly in need of exercise, and, he con- tinued, as he lighted a lamp and by its pale rays surveyed himself in a mirror, I feel my confinement is beginning 122 to tell on me. I am not the same Rudolph Barton of a year ago. However, I almost feel that I would sacri- fice myself to solve the problem which has been absorb- ing my attention during my life. Well, Cecil, I will not detain you longer. It is late and you may wish to write a long letter to your sweetheart before you retire. 'Well, the best of luck to you and your afjfazbfe de mmf. Good night-good night, old friend. Cecil took the lamp with him and left the room, leaving his master with no light save that given out by the cheerful log-fire. Rudolph sat still and mused for a few moments, then removed his coat and vest, and reclined at full length on a lounge. His wearied mind demanded rest, and like a tired, fretful child he fell asleep, and knew no more until roused by the voice of his secretary the following morn- ing at daybreak. Rudolph Barton gazed abroad upon nature resplend- ent in her verdant loveliness. Spring had come upon the earth. The budding flowers, the balmy, zephrons air, the green fields, and the sweet songs of gayiy colored birds were the evidences of the visit. As Rudolph wan- dered out over this expanse of rich, glorious beauty, he questioned himself as to his cynicism and misanthropy. O why is it that I am thus apart and separate from other men? Why am I out ofsympathy with nature and nature's God? Why can I not appreciate the beauties and blessings of creation? A vague, unsatisfied long- ing came over him. He sighed and wandered on to what