The Quest for Corvo: An Experiment in Biography (Valancourt eClassics) by A.J.A. Symons Page B

to the inn, where, from the balcony of his first-floor bedroom, he would (during the religious processions that passed by) point an accusing finger at the priest by whose hand, in his view, he was suffering.
    Again Rolfe had passed out of Mgr Dey’s life for some months, until the end of 1898, when the Aberdeen attack was reprinted almost verbatim in the Catholic Times. Moved by the manifest bias of its tone, Mgr Dey had written in expostulation to the editor, urging the injustice of dragging up old history against an unfortunate man who had paid dearly for his follies, and was trying hard to support himself by his pen. The letter was garbled and cut down; but Rolfe had noticed it, and written in gratitude. He expressed his thanks in more abiding form also, for, long after, Mgr Dey was amused and touched to find himself promoted into a Cardinal in Hadrian the Seventh , wherein, as Sterling, he is faithfully depicted, even as to the mole on his nose and his manner of speech. The two friends never met again. In 1913, Mgr Dey heard (in South Africa) of Rolfe’s death in Venice.
    Unfortunately he had preserved no letters; and I learned with regret that there were no records surviving of Oscott in its pre-seminary days. We looked in vain through albums of old photographs. But, even more to my purpose, Mgr Dey was able to put in my hands a printed testimonial, possibly the means by which Rolfe had brought his clerical aspirations to the notice of his superiors, which gave me exact information of his pedagogic career:
     
    TESTIMONIALS IN FAVOUR OF MR FREDERICK ROLFE
     
    I
    F. W. Rolfe conducted himself to my satisfaction while a pupil in this School, and left with an excellent character. He is steady, industrious and persevering, and I think will do his best to give satisfaction.
    CHAS. WM. WILLIAMS, D.D.
    (Trin. Coll. Camb.)
    Head Master, North London Collegiate School.
     
    II
    I have much pleasure in recommending Mr Frederick Rolfe, who was my Assistant-Master for a year and a half. Mr Rolfe’s work consisted entirely in teaching the youngest boys in the School; but that work he has done thoroughly well. His questions are always simple but searching, and he never shrinks from the laborious repetition which is requisite for driving home ideas in very young minds. Mr Rolfe likes his work, and is thoroughly methodical and conscientious in the discharge of his duties, while his powers of maintaining discipline are quite sufficient for the successful management of a fairly large class of junior boys. He rendered valuable aid in training a young Choir, and undertook successfully a class of beginners in Drawing. I may add that Mr Rolfe came to me strongly recommended by Mr Isbister, Head Master of the Stationers’ School, under whom he had previously worked, whose good opinion of him appears to me to be fully justified.
    R. M. LUCKOCK, M.A.
    (Corp. Christi Coll. Camb.)
    Head Master, King Edward VI Grammar School,
    Saffron Walden, Essex.
     
    III
    Mr Frederick Rolfe has taught in this school for two terms. I received his resignation with regret, as I have found him constant and methodical in work, and believe him to be actuated by the best motives. During his stay here he has taught History throughout the School, and to Junior classes Latin, French, English, Arithmetic and Divinity. He has assisted us considerably with choir work, conducting the boys’ practice and playing the harmonium in chapel. He will exercise a good influence over boys, both by the conscientiousness displayed in work and by the cheerful interest he takes in their games and occupations out of school.
    JOHN M. OGLE, M.A.
    (Clare Coll. Camb.)
    Head Master, Winchester Modern School.
     
    IV
    Mr Frederick Rolfe has been a non-resident assistant master with me since Easter, 1882. His engagement was a temporary one. He had charge of the second form. I have had ample opportunities of observing his powers of teaching and maintaining discipline, and I can confidently