MDDM Ch. 22 Summary (1)

[jbor]

Dixon is at the home in Hurworth of his mentor, the eccentric William
Emerson, where he does meet the Jesuit surveyor, Christopher Maire.

The Philadelphia frame-story intrudes, as Cousin DePugh tells of his
experiences with Dr Mesmer in Paris, and his plan to ply a trade in the
"Mesmerick Arts" in the American West. A debate about the "Essence" of
American commerce ensues, one which exposes the venality of the medical,
legal and military professions within the economic sphere.

Emerson, it is fabled, teaches his young charges to fly, and to navigate
their course along the mystical "Ley-Lines" which connect the sacred sites
of Britain. The narrative jumps forward to a conversation between Dixon and
Mason, where Jere confesses that his adroitness as a surveyor was due to his
ability to "feel" the natural ley lines of the Earth. Mason tells him of the
legend of Bisley Church, supposedly diabolically transported stone by stone
from its original location in Chalford. Jere replies that "our Leys" were
far more benign, and confesses that "[f]lying them was ... quite pleasant
indeed." (219) 

A description of one of the class flights follows, along with Emerson's
lecture about the possible Druid or Mithraic origins of the lines, and
speculations about their uses. Emerson's theories about extra-terrestrial
life and the planet as a living entity seem to coincide with Rebekah's
ghost's insights. (172.13-18)

best