"Then you don't think there has been a mistake about him?" said
Jenny, in a low voice of alarm.
"I have little doubt that when anything develops his inner life, so
as to overcome the great strong animal that demands play and
exercise, he will be a most useful clergyman."
"Perhaps he is too young, though I don't see how it could be helped.
Papa always intended it, because of the living; and Herbert never
wished anything else. I thought he really desired it, but now I
don't know whether he did not only take it as a matter of course."
"Obedience is no unwholesome motive. As things stood, to delay his
ordination would have been a stigma he did not deserve; and though
he might have spent a year with advantage in a theological college,
pupilage might only have prolonged his boyhood. It must be
experience, not simply years of study, that deepens him."
"Ah, those studies!"
"To tell the truth, that's what I am most uneasy about. I take care
he should have two hours every forenoon, and three evenings every
week, free; but when a man is in his own neighbourhood, and so
popular, I am afraid he does not get many evenings at home; and I
can't hinder Bindon from admonishing him.
Pages:
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210