The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl

Author:Matthew Pearl [Pearl, Matthew]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781448129423
Google: S6mVVupLeQYC
Amazon: 034549038X
Publisher: Random House
Published: 2003-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

The visitor gasped upon noticing the two poets. He nearly stooped down on one knee as he clasped the hands of Holmes and Longfellow, handling them like bottles of the rarest and most sensitive vintages.

Jennison enjoyed spreading his vast wealth by patronizing artists and by refining his appreciation of belles lettres; and had never ceased to be overwhelmed by the geniuses he knew only because of his riches. Jennison helped himself to a seat. "Mr. Fields. Mr. Longfellow. Dr. Holmes," he said, naming them with exaggerated ceremony. "You are all dear friends of Lowell's, dearer than is my own privilege of acquaintance, for only through genius is genius truly known."

Holmes cut him off nervously. "Mr. Jennison, has something happened with Jamey?"

"I know, Doctor." Jennison sighed heavily at having to elaborate. "I know of these accursed Dante happenings, and I'm here because I wish to assist you in doing what is required to reverse them."

"Dante happenings?" Fields echoed in a broken voice.

Jennison nodded solemnly.

"The accursed Corporation and their hopes to rid themselves of that Dante course of Lowell's. And their attempt to stop your translation, my dear gentlemen! Lowell told me all about it, though he's too proud to ask for help."

Three muffled sighs escaped from under the respective waistcoats at Jennison's elaboration.

"Now, as surely you know, Lowell has temporarily canceled his class," Jennison said, showing his frustration at their apparent obliviousness of their own business. "Well, it won't do, I say. It does not befit a genius of James Russell Lowell's caliber and must not be permitted without a fight. I fear Lowell is at imminent hazard of going to pieces if he starts down roads of conciliation! And over at the College, I hear Manning is gleeful." He said this with grim concern.

"What do you wish us to do, my dear Mr. Jennison?" asked Fields with a play at deference.

"Urge him to screw up his courage." Jennison demonstrated his point with a fist in his palm. "Save him from cowardice, or our city shall lose one of its strongest hearts. I have had another idea as well. Create a permanent organization devoted to the study of DanteI myself would take up Italian to assist you!" Jennison's flashy smile broke through, as did his leather money belt, from which he now counted out large bills. "A Dante association of some sort dedicated to protecting this literature so dear to you gentlemen What say you? No one shall have to know of my involvement, and you shall give the fellows a run for it."

Before anyone could reply, the door to the Authors' Room burst open. Lowell stood before them with a bleak look on his face.

"Why, Lowell, what's wrong?" Fields asked.

Lowell began to speak but then saw him. "Phinny? What are you doing here?"

Jennison looked to Fields for help. "Mr. Jennison and I had some business to conclude," said Fields, stuffing the money belt into the businessman's hands and pushing him out the door. "But he was just on his way out.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.