The Vinegar Saint

"The Vinegar Saint" by Hughes Mearns is a novel written in the early 20th century. This book revolves around the character of Gorgas Levering and her interactions with Professor Allen Blynn, alongside the enigmatic Bardek, a gypsy who serves as a mentor to her. Through their relationships, the story explores themes of youth, education, and the complexities of growing up in a society with expectations and norms that can be stifling or liberating. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Professor Blynn engaging in a tennis match while reflecting on his professional life as a scholar of Elizabethan literature. The tennis game serves as a backdrop for his contemplations about youth and maturity, particularly in relation to Gorgas, a spirited thirteen-year-old girl he encounters. Their meeting is vibrant and playful, revealing Gorgas’s unique character—intelligent and precocious, she expresses the ambition and challenges of youth. The text also introduces Bardek, a gypsy artist, who plays a crucial role in Gorgas’s education, particularly in artistic endeavors, emphasizing a juxtaposition between conventional education and more unconventional, experiential learning. The interactions amongst these characters set the stage for a deeper exploration of societal norms and personal growth throughout the novel.

The Vinegar Saint, by Hughes Mearns. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #70157.