It has been remarked that the ecclesiastical temper is histrionic; and
Wynne was not without a share of this spirit. He would have gone to the
stake for a conviction, and made a beautifully effective death-scene
for the edification of men and angels, not for a moment aware that
there was anything artificial in what he was doing. Now he was not
without a consciousness that he was playing the role of a lover and a
prodigal, sincere in his love and devotion; yet none the less subtly
aware how much more interesting is repentance when there is genuine
human passion to repent, is renunciation when there is real love to
sacrifice; of how much more effective is saintliness set off against a
background of transgression. It was a real if somewhat childish joy to
be able to sin actually yet without going beyond hope; of being
dramatically false to his vows without crossing the line of possible
pardon.
"We shall be in Brookfield in ten minutes," Miss Morison said,
beginning to look about for her belongings. "We pass the New York
express just here."
Hardly had she spoken when suddenly and without warning there was an
outburst of shrieks from the whistle of the engine, answered and
blended with that of another.
Pages:
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128