THE STORY OF GILBERT GERRISH; OR, THE STRENGTH OF THE WEAKEST UNIT.
To Gilbert Gerrish the day of the festival was one long to be
remembered: a day so laden with enjoyment for him, that all
consciousness of his affliction was blotted out. His musical genius was
free and unfettered. In such a mood, the music he drew from his violin
was more wonderful and entertaining than ever before. Fern Fenwick was
astonished and delighted. She soon became so much interested, that at
intervals between the dancing, she came upon the platform to engage him
in conversation. Grateful for such marked attention from the
distinguished patroness of the farm, the natural shyness and reticence
of the young musician, was quickly dispelled. To Fern, it was remarkable
how eloquently and interestingly he could talk upon almost every topic
she chose to introduce. On the subject of ethical, social, inventive and
educational work, as exemplified by the different phases of club life at
the farm; Gilbert was at his best. He spoke with such enthusiasm and
perfect knowledge of details that Fern Fenwick was profoundly impressed.
She then and there determined, at the first convenient opportunity, to
have Fillmore Flagg relate to her more in detail, the many incidents
connected with his farm life, and how this interesting boy had managed
in so short a time, to make himself such a universal favorite with the
farm people, both old and young.
That night before retiring, Gilbert told his mother in confidence, that
Miss Fenwick was the brightest, most beautiful and most lovable woman he
had ever met. "Tell me truly, Mamma! Do you think she is really in love
with Mr. Flagg? I hope it may be true! For I know he deserves to win the
love of the best and most charming woman that ever was born!"
While this confidential interview between mother and son was in
progress, Fern and Fillmore were speaking of Gilbert in such a way, that
if overheard by Gertrude Gerrish it would have stirred the pride in her
mother heart.
"I declare, Fillmore!" said Fern, "to my mind that clever lad, Gilbert
Gerrish, is one of the most astonishing products of Solaris Farm! You
have promised to tell me the story of his life here on the farm. I am
now ready to hear it. At the festival dance I had an opportunity to
engage him in conversation, and the good fortune to so win his
confidence, that he could talk to me without embarassment. It was then
that I discovered what a brilliant intellectual prodigy, eloquent
talker, skilled musician, and cultured artist he really was. There is
something mysterious about his strong, intellectual, spiritual nature,
which has aroused my interest in him, and my sympathy for him, to a
degree that is very unusual for me. The more I know of him the more I
wish to win his friendship.
"What a terrible misfortune, that he is so afflicted by the deformity of
that spinal trouble! I cannot help picturing him as possessed of a
physique in harmony with his glorious intellectual and spiritual
unfoldment. How naturally then, he could win the love of some equally
gifted, noble woman. How happy they could make each other through the
passing changes of a long and useful life. Aside from my speculative
fancies, I do wonder what the future has in store for him? How bravely
he bears himself! He does not seem inclined to be gloomy or
misanthropical under the burden of his misfortune!"
"I think, my dear Fern, that my story will unravel the mystery. I am
delighted to find that you have already become interested in Gilbert,
and have discovered so many of his good qualities! I can assure you that
he is worthy of your sympathy and friendship! He is a noble fellow!
Richly endowed, with a remarkable, intuitive, spiritual nature! His
enthusiasm, persevering efforts and ingenious devices, have contributed
much towards the success of this co-operative farm. The value and
variety of his especial work in the department of experimental farming,
has proved his extraordinary ability, and justly earned for him the
title of the 'wonder worker of the farm!'
"On account of Gilbert's frail form and sensitive nature, it was deemed
wise by his ever watchful parents, to give him the protection of an
isolated home life. For this purpose, a cozy cottage was built in the
center of its own grounds, some distance away from all other buildings.
This cottage was charmingly fitted and furnished in such style and taste
as would satisfy the artistic ideas of this domestic trio, and at the
same time, afford quiet, retired, spacious rooms, for Gilbert's musical
and other studies. Rooms where violin and piano practice, at any hour
that might suit his fancy, could disturb no one.
"Referring to that haunting desire which impresses you to picture
Gilbert as possessing a magnificent physique, in harmony with his
brilliant, mental and spiritual unfoldment; I accept it as another proof
of the growth of his spiritual body to the beautiful proportions you
seem to see. All psychics who come within the radius of his powerful,
spiritual aura, sense or see this strong symmetrical body. His
affectionate and emotional nature is beautifully developed. No one can
appreciate the graces and charms of a refined, beautiful woman more
keenly than Gilbert Gerrish! Yet, I know, that in this life, he does not
for one moment, even dream of a possible marriage with any woman. He is
loyally devoted to his spiritual ideal!
"For many months, I have been to Gilbert a trusted friend and
confidential companion. In this capacity, I have learned his story of
the hidden romance of his young life. This story I will repeat to you as
an illustration of the high order of his boyish character. It cannot
fail to increase both your admiration and your respect, for this
youthful devotee at the shrine of love.
"When Gilbert was ten years old, while attending school at St. Louis, he
became acquainted with Rita Estelle Ringwood. She was in many ways a
remarkable girl; only two months younger than Gilbert. Tall and
straight, with a well rounded figure, already as large as a maid of
fourteen, Rita gave promise of an early development into a lovely woman.
With a large, finely formed head, crowned by a luxuriant growth of soft,
thick, wavy, chestnut hair; a smooth, creamy complexion, pleasing
features, firm mouth and well rounded chin; large, full, soft, brown
eyes, unusually expressive; a strong, well turned white throat and neck,
symmetrical shoulders, perfectly formed hands and feet; and a well
poised, graceful carriage, she appeared to Gilbert as some divine
creature. From the first moment of meeting, a strong bond of mutual
attraction drew them together. If kept long apart, both became nervous
and restless. When again united, they were quickly at peace with
themselves and all the world. By a strange coincidence, as it
transpired; Rita's parents lived in a house just across the street,
almost in the front of the one occupied by the Gerrish family. Through
the children, the parents soon became intimate friends. As Gilbert had
never cared to play with boys of his own age, either on the streets or
at school, it was natural under the circumstances, that he should devote
himself entirely to Rita, as the only congenial playmate he had ever
known. Very soon, as a consequence, the twain were almost always
together, either in one home or the other. They read or studied from the
same book, often pausing to discuss some question of more than usual
interest. In music, they had the same tastes, the same predominating
passion for it. Gilbert soon taught Rita to use the violin; while Rita
in turn taught Gilbert to play the piano. Each could then alternate, in
playing violin accompaniments to piano music. Much practice soon enabled
these artistic children, to render such duets with thrilling effect. In
so delightful an occupation, hours passed swiftly by. A series of
selections were chosen for evening concerts. The parents were called in
to enjoy them. In the eyes of the parents, both children were manifestly
helpful to each other. Rita never seemed to notice Gilbert's misshapen
body. She evidently responded, only to impressions emanating from his
more perfect and dominant, spiritual body. Gilbert was conscious of this
fact, and always seemed at ease in her presence. As the months flew
swiftly by; these strange children grew more devotedly fond of each
other. Three summers had witnessed the growing together of these two
harmoniously attuned souls.
"The day following Gilbert's thirteenth birthday, he was depressed by
some overshadowing cloud of sadness. He could not explain it, nor, could
he throw it off. The sequel came the following week, when a great wave
of pestilence, in the form of malignant typhoid fever, swept over the
city. It claimed Rita as one of its first victims.
"Heart broken! Rita's parents hastily returned to New York, where,
surrounded by early associations, they vainly and hopelessly struggled
to forget their terrible bereavement.
"To Gilbert, the shock was frightful! His parents, George and Gertrude
Gerrish were alarmed. They feared for his life! He wandered about with
dry, staring eyes, like one in a trance. He could not weep! For days, he
could neither eat nor drink! At last, came the crisis! Reason seemed
about to leave her throne! Then it happened, that Gilbert grew strangely
calm and hopeful.
"In a few short days the improvement was magical. His beautiful eyes
shone with the fires of new inspiration! Questioned by his parents, he
assured them that Rita still lived. He knew that she was not dead!
Clairvoyantly, he had seen her, more beautiful than ever.
Clairaudiently, he had heard, over and over again, the sweet familiar
tones of her voice. All this through his own mediumship and more
besides. Controlling his hand and arm, in her own identical
hand-writing, she had written to him long messages filled with loving
consolation, bidding him look hopefully forward to a happy reunion in
the land of the spirit, the home of the soul! Almost nightly in dreams,
she came to him, when for happy hours they were again united in the
enjoyment of the old familiar companionship, so dear to his waking
memories.
"Through Gilbert's mediumship, his parents became spiritualists. This
happened some months before I visited them in St. Louis, on my first
trip west, from Newburgh. Some months later, the family came to Solaris.
"In a recent conversation, speaking to me of his life work, his hopes
and his ambitions, Gilbert said: 'Fillmore, I know that my life here
will be short. I know that I have a work to do here on this farm, for
the future benefit of my brothers and sisters in earth life. I know that
in spirit life, Rita waits for me to join her, when that work is
finished. I now realize that swiftly passing days, weeks, months and
years, are precious portions of time which I must improve to the utmost.
I know that this primary school of life has many useful lessons, which I
must master as quickly as possible. I know that the sooner they are
mastered, the sooner I shall be prepared to enter a higher class in
spirit life. I know that as a spirit, in that land of golden sunlight,
freed from the burden of this unsightly prison of flesh, I shall be
clothed in a spiritual body as symmetrically perfect as my highest ideal
can picture. I know that thus clothed, and crowned with the perpetual
youth of the spirit; I shall again be united with my darling Rita, never
more to part. Together, in obedience to the law of an infinite love, we
shall go hand in hand, up the paths of wisdom which lead to the summits
of the hills of everlasting progress. I know that during my sojourn
here, when I am weary and most need the healing balm of her presence, my
Rita can come to cheer and help me. Knowing all this, life is full of
promise! I have no time to be sad or lonely! The world is bright! I am
ambitious to make its people my friends, by creating for them, better
and brighter conditions for the enjoyment of life.'
"This, my dear Fern! is the romance, which like some secret charm,
Gilbert wears in his heart. His armor against all evil! The bright star
of his ambition! The beacon light of his hope!"
"The romance is indeed a most extraordinary one! The story is
exquisitely beautiful! Its pathos fills my heart with both joy and
sadness! In the development of his mediumship, following his
bereavement, how like my own, has been his experience! This explains my
sympathetic desire for his friendship. What a noble fellow he is! I
shall be proud to claim him as my friend! Now Fillmore, you must tell me
of his work for the farm. I am anxious to know more of the peculiar
methods of this inspired genius."
"Very well! In the center of the large garden at the rear of the Gerrish
cottage, is a roomy workshop, built for Gilbert's sole use and
occupancy. Alone in this shop, he has mapped out for himself such a
course of study, experimental work, and industrial amusement, as might
suit the fancy of his swiftly changing moods; or conform to the passing
whims of his busy brain. To the combined interests of Solaris farm, he
is intensely devoted. To keep a realistic picture of the farm always in
his mind, he has drawn an immense map, large enough to completely cover
the wall space on one side of the shop. He subdivided, colored and named
the subdivisions on the map, after a bold, brilliant scheme of his own.
The result is a matter of astonishment to all beholders. The map seems
to possess some charm of attraction, which no one can explain. On each
subdivision from time to time, Gilbert has tacked cards filled with
finely written notes, setting forth from his own standpoint, a history
of the subdivision, its peculiarities, and capabilities of the different
soils; character of crops and fertilizers, together with such
suggestions for perfection or improvement, as his thorough knowledge of
chemistry might determine; or his keen, analytical, observation of the
crops produced, might indicate.
"This map of itself, is a most valuable work; involving an immense
amount of intelligent, skillful labor; also much study of chemistry, and
of horticultural and agricultural authorities. As an indication of our
appreciation of its value, this map has been taken as a suggestive model
for the completion of those made and kept by the clerical force employed
in the farm office.
"On the south side of his shop, two large doors open into a roomy,
glass-roofed hot house, containing a very unique collection of potted
plants, which, under the skillful hands of this young enthusiast, are
undergoing the different stages of experimental treatment, such as he
may deem necessary, to prove or disprove his many pet theories or
fancies, in regard to care, growth, insect enemies, and to application
of electric light, sun light, heat, moisture and fertilizers. Each plant
bears a fruitful crop of cards, giving a summary of results and
conclusions. Each one of these cards may contain, in skeleton form, the
subject matter of a brief essay, brimful of valuable suggestions and
interesting statements. Sooner or later, these essays, signed
'Experimenter,' are liable to find their way into the contribution box
at the door of the Press Club.
"Gilbert's collection of birds and insects, forms another interesting
feature of his industrial museum. These collections were made, arranged
and classified, in order to afford opportunities for making a careful
study of the insect enemies of his plants, and also to discover what
birds were most destructive to the different insects. The birds he kept
in cages; the insects in glass-covered boxes.
"The care of these things, and the time and labor necessary to collect,
classify and arrange them, would to most people, prove a grievous
burden. To Gilbert, it was simply another mode of recreation and
amusement. On the live insects, he tried the effects of such chemicals
as might destroy them without injury to the growing plants. To his caged
birds, Gilbert fed his bugs, worms and moths, carefully noting the kinds
they most eagerly swallowed. His conclusions were always briefly written
out. They proved a perfect mine of valuable information, to be used in
perfecting better methods for farm culture.
"Aside from this kind of work; in the departments of his shop devoted to
experiments with clays, mica, soils, minerals and the various powers,
attractions and affinities of electricity, his constructive ideation and
inspired mentality, always gave him an excellent crop of good results.
Altogether, such superior work, carried forward in his own unique way,
has added many hundreds of dollars to the annual income of the farm. In
the department of experimental farming, as I have before stated, his
work has proved most brilliant and helpful; generally leading to the
adoption of many improved methods for successfully selecting, planting
and growing these new crops.
"Considered as a whole, such a variety of valuable contributions have
convinced our people, that physically speaking, one of the farm's
weakest units, under the fostering development of co-operative
organization, is capable of becoming one of its most valued productive
workers. The wonder of it all, is, that Gilbert is able to accomplish
such important results, while following a scheme he has devised as a
source of personal diversion!
"Turning to Gilbert's intellectual, artistic and esthetic life, we
discover that this gifted boy finds the same source of comfort and
amusement in his devotion to the art of music. In this branch of
accomplishments, you, my dear Fern! have had occasion to observe how
important a factor he has become, in organized social life at Solaris.
He is such a general favorite, that without an effort, he has been able
to so impress the strong individuality of his noble character upon the
minds of our farm people, that the effect for good has been truly
wonderful!"
"This is exceedingly interesting, Fillmore! How charmed I am with your
completed story of this marvelously gifted boy! All that you have told
me about Gilbert, only seems to confirm my previous convictions, that he
is really one of the most astonishing products of Solaris farm! No
wonder he is such a general favorite! He has nobly earned the title!
With such intelligence and genius, possessed, embodied and expressed by
its weaker units; is it any cause for wonder, that the success of
Solaris as a co-operative colony, is so pronounced?"