But a rationalist at the University of North Carolina in 1878 could hardly be endured.

The offer, therefore, fortunately was not made.

Afterward Page was much criticized for having left his native state at a time when it especially needed young men of his type.

It may therefore be recorded that, if there were any blame at all, it rested upon North Carolina.

He refers to his disappointment in a letter in February, 1879--a letter that proved to be a prophecy.