title: The Old Professor: Life in a small town 1929 - 2010
author: David Sumner
description: David has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. He has over 20 years of experience in Christian Education. In retirement his interest include helping to raise three grandchildren, reading, writing a blog, and growing closer to God.He is a member of Durand Church of the Nazarene
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  ##### www.blackmask.com
  
  * * *
  
  Portrait of a Philosopher
  
  
  Chapter 1
  
  Chapter 2
  
  Chapter 3
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  # Portrait of a Philosopher
  
  
  ### Dorothy Canfield
  
  
  This page copyright © 2002 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com  
    
  
  * Chapter 1
  
  
  * Chapter 2
  
  
  * Chapter 3
  
  
  
  
  
  ### Chapter 1
  
  
  THE news of Professor Gridley's death filled Middletown College
  
  
  with consternation. Its one claim to distinction was gone, for in spite
  
  
  of the excessive quiet of his private life, he had always cast about
  
  
  the obscure little college the shimmering aura of greatness. There had
  
  
  been no fondness possible for the austere old thinker, but Middletown
  
  
  village, as well as the college, had been touched by his fidelity to
  
  
  the very moderate attractions of his birthplace. When, as often
  
  
  happened, some famous figure was seen on the streets, people used to
  
  
  say first, "Here to see old Grid, I suppose," and then, "Funny how he
  
  
  sticks here. They say he was offere