The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-04-28


seemed as though the threads Of the tale, like
the lines of the hyperbole, were destined to oon-
tinual approach but never meet Consequently
when we saw the whole work suddenly pub
lished by Harper our first impression was that
Mrs. Oliphaut bad followed in the footsteps of
Mrs. Gaskill, and unexpectedly departed for that
bourne from which no traveller returns. We
are glad, however, to relieve any anxiety and
assure those of our readers who have followed
Lucilla through the magazine, that she was
eventually 'settled" without the melancholy
decease of the authoress.
To Judge from the termination, it would ap-
pear that Mr.. 0lipbant, up to the iftiethchapter
was firmly convinced of the idea that her work
was still increasing in interest as well as bulk
At that point some rude shock must have oc-
curred-possibly the criticism of some periodical;
probably an intimation from the publisher of
BldckS1ood u....
The evidence of the severity of the discovery that
her book had grown tedious was apparent The
last three chapters contain events at once forced
and condensed. What ten chapters would not have
told two weeks ago, three now can. In dis
respectful haste Mr. Ashburton is elected NJ. p.
from Carlingford. Tom Maioribanks is sud
denly brought here from India, with speed
least previous intimation Lucilla aud he are
married and go to the country. Will our lady
readers believe it, the authoress positively does
not give us detail in regard to the wedding
We are merely told that the ceremony was per-
formed and everybody sent presents. Such
absence of minute details is lnexcusable. From
the tenor of the rest of the work we had been
lead to believe that at least two full chapters
would have been devoted to the bridal costume,
And now-not an incident, it is too provoking
for the ladies who have waded through the
whole long story. The only consolation to be
found is in a contemplation of what it must
have cost Mrs. 0lphant to thus mutilate her
work and destroy the symmetry by such confu
sion. .
1t is probable however, to Judge from the
concluding paragraph, that we will hear from
Lucilla again i'll her new home, and that all her
powers will be again put forth IN a more ex-
tended field of labor To sum up tine whole, it
is well written in the beginning, too prolix in
the middle, and too contracted at the close If
the last half could be rewritten, it could be
made a delightful novel. AS it is, we predict
that it Will have an immense sale, and create
decided excitement in the novel-reading world.
1t is thoroughly original in its execution. There
are few, ii any other writers, who would have
dared to enter upon the field which Mrs. oil.
phant has selected. Relying entirely UPON her
style, without any startling character, much
less any startling plot or event, she has taken
quiet village life, and depicted it to us in a
manner which, considering the obstacles which
she had to overcome, is wonderfully successful.
Those who have read the "Chronicles of CARING
tord," and the Perpetual Curate," will appre
ciate the style, and not fail to read this the third
| OF the series of pastoral fctions. .r NV
THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF JOSEPH GRI
NALDI. BY Charles Dickens. 7. b. Peterson
Il Brothers, Philadelphia. .. -
The energy of the Messrs. Peterson, and the
mum berless varietiesfn which they have given the
public editions of Dickens, have made all the
| productions of that great novelist appear to be
| the property, by conquest, of that popular firm.
1t is only, therefore, what we expect when their
| teeming presses continually furnish us with
new editions Of his productions. The adven.
| lures of Grimaldi have already acquired de.
served popularity, both because of the infinite
humor with which they are treated, and also the
spice and variety found in the events narrated
In that work is found solution to the problem
of what the clowns do with themselves off the
stage-a question which, as Dickens states, has
been source of conjecture to him from his
earliest infancy The inimitable description
of the ecstacy of witnessing pantomme, given
in the introduction, although familiar will bear
repetition here:-
"BUt what was this-even this-to the glories of
he intide where, amid the smell of sawdust and
OTaDRe.peel, sweeter far than violets to youthful
noses the rst play being over the lovers united the
made comfortable and pleasant, the pantomlme itself
| began! What words can describe the deep gloom of
| the opening scene where q crafty magican, holding
| q young lady In bondage, was discovered studying
an enchanted book, to the soft music of q gong or
in hat terms can we express the thrill of ecstacy
we beheld the monster himself converted INTO clown!
What mattered it that the stage was three yards
wide and tour deepf-we never saw 1t. We had no
eyes, ears, corporal senses but for the pant0-
the baron, previously slaughtered, coming forward
with bis hand upon his heart, announced that for
thanks, and the performance would commence again
in quarter, of an hour, what jest could equal the
effects of the baTons indignation and surprise when
the clown, unexpectedly peeping from behind the
curtain, requested the audience not 10 believe H.
Tor II was all gammonP Who but O clown could
have called forth the of laughter that succeeded
the junior usher himself to declare aloud as hC
shook his sides and smote his knee, in moment o
irTepTessibe JOY that that the very best thing
he had ever heard saidP
The large clear type ofMessrs. Peterson render
all their publications attractive reading and tn,
unrivalled pencil of Cruikshank has Furnished
an excellent frontispiece. This house will issu,
next week ''The Queens FaVorite," and sool
after, "Selflove," novel of reported grea
force. They also have the agency for Halpine'
comic work, Baked Meats of the Funeral"
RoEBUoK. A Novel. Mr.. Doolady, New York
IL, of A. llaT