Page:Forging of Passion Into Power.djvu/22

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18
Preface

psychology, and, though kindly and well-meaning, often hideously irreverent. I offered to procure her freedom by taking out a certificate as lunatic attendant and getting her consigned to my care. The temptation to consent was evidently very great. But she had scruples about hampering my work and career; and, after a few days of heroic struggle with herself, she not only refused to accept my offer, but gave me to understand that the continuance of our friendship depended on my abstaining in future from putting such temptation in her way. To her I owe nearly all that I know about adumbrations and nostalgias; about the conditions under which hallucinations become fixed, and the manner in which they can be dispersed; about the formation of protective optical illusions and the prevention of dangerous delusions. She gave me my first clear insight into the systematic use of Oriental imagery as an organic scientific notation. To her also I owe—though without her knowledge—my clear perception of how a person like myself may be led into crime; for, had Frances ever for one hour so far lost her head as to express a wish to be avenged, there is no telling what I might not have been tempted to do. But Frances never lost her self-control or her spiritual judgment; her own influence over others gave to her both an awe-struck sense of her own responsibility, and a respectful sympathy with all persons in any kind of responsible position. Though revolutionary in every fibre of her being, she would never allow a disrespectful word to be said of any official person in her presence without rebuking it.

"Vengeance is Mine," says the Eternal Pulsator. Had Frances remained at large, she would have been