Cope was a field already occupied, a niche already filled.
While Randolph was gathering (through Cope) details of the life in
Winnebago, Lemoyne was gathering (through Cope) details of the life in
Churchton during the past autumn. He began to reconstruct that season: the
long range of social entertainments, the proposed fall excursions, the
sudden shifting of domicile. Randolph, it was clear, had tried to
appropriate Cope and to supplant (knowingly or unknowingly) Cope's closest
friend. Lemoyne became impatient over the fact that he was now sitting at
Randolph's table. However, if Randolph could help him to a place and a
salary, that would make some amends.
Presently Cope, having served as an intermediary, became the open centre of
interest. His thesis was brought forward as a suitable subject of inquiry
and comment. It was a relief to have come to a final decision; but no
relief was in sight for a long time from the slavery of close reading.
Every moment that could be spared from his classroom was given up to books
--authors in whom he might be interested or not interested, but who must be
gone through.
Pages:
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293