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Bates, Arlo, 1850-1918

"The Puritans"


The interest and excitement of this new business so occupied the
thoughts of Maurice that he almost ceased to think of religious
matters. Perhaps there was more danger to his monastic profession in
this indifference than in the most poignant doubt. He went through his
duties at the Clergy House cheerfully because he thought little about
them. They were part of the routine of life, and when the hour for
recreation came he laid all that aside. He even on one occasion wrote a
hurried note to Mr. Burnham in the hour for meditation, and it amazed
him when he thought of it that his conscience did not protest. He
reflected with a certain naive pleasure that it was possible after all
to modify the strict rules of the house without suffering undue
contrition afterward. The discovery might have seemed to Father
Frontford a dangerous one.

XXIII

THIS DEED UNSHAPES ME
Measure for Measure, iv. 4.

So much was Maurice absorbed in his thought of the will and his
inquiries after it that he gave little consideration to the disquieting
plan of Father Frontford for the securing of Miss Morison's cooperation
in the election schemes.


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