in
defiance of all common-sense and sweet reasonableness; that held him
still to that deplorable and lamentable journey with his two traveling
companions, and that ultimately led him to his death. I mean, it was the
same kind of unreasonable daring and purpose throughout, though it
issued in very different kinds of actions, and was inspired by very
different motives.

Well, it is not much good discussing Frank in public like this. The
people who are kind enough to read his life--or, rather, the six months
of it with which this book deals--must form their own opinion of him.
Probably a good many will think him a fool. I daresay he was; but I
think I like that kind of folly. Other people may think him simply
obstinate and tiresome. Well, I like obstinacy of that sort, and I do
not find him tiresome. Everyone must form their own views, and I have a
perfect right to form mine, which I am glad to know coincide with your
own. After all, you knew him better than anyone else.

I went to see Gertie Trustcott, as you suggested, but I didn't get any
help from her. I think she is the most suburban person I have ever met.
She could tell me nothing whatever new about him; she could only
corroborate what you yourself had told me, and what the diaries and
other papers contained. I did not stay long with Miss Trustcott.

And now, my dear friend, I must ask you to accept this book from me, and
to make the best of it. Of course, I have had to conjecture a great
deal, and to embroider even more; but it is no more than embroidery. I
have not touched the fabric itself which you put into my hands; and
anyone who cares to pull out the threads I have inserted can do so if
they will, without any fear of the thing falling to pieces.

I have to thank you for many pleasurable and even emotional hours. The
offering which I present to you now is the only return I can make.

I am,
Ever yours sincerely,
ROBERT HUGH BENSON.

P.S.--We've paneled a new room since you were last at Hare Street. Come
and see it soon and sleep in it. We want you badly. And I want to talk
a great deal more about Frank.

P.P.S.--I hear that her ladyship has gone back to live with her father;
she tried the Dower House in Westmoreland, but seems to have found it
lonely. Is that true? It'll be rather difficult for Dick, won't it?

NONE OTHER GODS

PART I

CHAPTER I

(I)

"I think you're behaving like an abso