"I think that he did not remain at Brook Farm for a whole year, and
when later he went to Belgium to study theology at the seminary of
Mons he wrote me many letters, which I am sorry to say have
disappeared. I remember that he labored with friendly zeal to draw me
to his Church, and at his request I read the life and some writing of
St. Alphonse of Liguori. Gradually our correspondence declined when I
was in Europe, and was never resumed; nor do I remember seeing him
again more than once, many years ago. There was still in the clerical
figure, which was very strange to me, the old sweetness of smile and
address; there was some talk of the idyllic days, some warm words of
hearty good will, but our interests were very different, and,
parting, we went our separate ways. For a generation we lived in the
same city, yet we never met. But I do not lose the bright
recollection of Ernest the Seeker, nor forget the frank, ardent,
generous, manly youth, Isaac Hecker.

"Very truly yours,

"GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS."

________________________




CHAPTER VI

INNER LIFE WHILE AT BROOK FARM