"
William Priske has espoused Mrs. Nance, our good housekeeper; I
believe upon her own advice.
The Trappists (sixteen in number) yet dwell with us, and the left
wing of Constantine has been reserved for their use. They have
deserved our gratitude, though, out of respect for their rules, I
could never convey it to them in words. Indeed, it is but seldom
that I get speech even with Dom Basilio. Sometimes when his walk
leads him by the river-bank where I stand a-fishing he will seat
himself for a while and watch; and then I find a comfort in his
presence, as though we conversed together without help of speech.
Then also, though my reason disapprove of our guest's rigour, an
inward voice tells me that there is good in their religion, as
perchance there is good wherever men have found anchorage for their
souls.
I remember once listening in our summer-house, upon St. Swithun's
feast, while my dear brother-in-law disputed with Mr. Grylls upon
action and contemplation--which of them was the properer end of man.
I thought then that each of them, though they talked up and down and
at large, was in truth defending his own temperament: and, because I
loved them both, that neither needed defending.
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