New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-11
NEW PUBLICATIONS.

WHAT CAN SIR poi ., N. Rev: r s Ror limo pr' ooo
podd Mead.
The decided religious purposes OF TINS s'ory
do not greatly impair Its effect ms work OF hc'ou'
composition. An imaginative production Wi.'"" VIZ.
an ethical intent ia too apt lose the qualities OF ART
sn the interests of morality The attemptlto enforce he
aeotrinee OF theology by dramatic COMBINATIONS j.
usnally fatal 60 the success OF the romance ""o"
powerfully aiding the cause OF religion MI hoo Ia"
happly avoided the rock on which didache poNeIs's
are 40 often wrecked. He is no dry, GRABBED 'eaeeh
u,snc lesson OF conduct instead Of porraying ohar
aeter His religion a sentiment, rather than uogn''
ana IL easily blended with the charms Of Imagination
The present story which is wider In its grasp anu o
vigorous in its execution, than his previous venture ~
the same kind deals with the austere reahheS VI lho
with view TO their influence on personal ohai"oter'
Tne scene opens with one Of the luxurious homes Ill
she moet fashionable quarter OF New'horK' i'a
inmates are described in strong coors put
without eItravagant establishment, or any violation
of the truth OF nature The mistress OF the house was
an habtua invalid, but whose pale faded face was the
consequence OF a dscopented, querulous disposition,
rather than OF any positive malady. Her husband hau
sort OF manly liberation for all her whims ana weak
nosses had INDUCED in any hgh-d0wn IDEAS OF
the gorcs of wonanhood cherished any ardent long
Jngs for feminine sympathy and companionship' Bus
the sole idol of his heart But no wOmap' ID
ms view was capable OF cOmprehending its mysteries
He would have expected his vic 70 wear ms d
and coat Wall Street 10 have sympathzcd WIN MS
operations in that magical locality. But he always
maintained show Of gallantry and Difference toWaru
the woman who had been reigning belle in her day
and who had won his ardent admiration by her oe"uS
and stylish manners. This, though veneer VI '1o
thnnost kind, better than open neglect inc "he
daughters Of the family frivolous, superhcia girls
with uncommon personal charms, and delghuns tneIr
father with their beauty and destinations IL was MS
fayorite purpose them married to men men, VINO
would maintain them in the same hea1ess luxury winch
had been enjoyed by their mother Each OF the parents
had certain vague admiration OF the learning OF lne
scholars and the culture OF the artists, but woud nave
far preferred marrying their daughters 70 merchant
princes OF the metropolis But all specuations OF TINS
character were premature, and doomed 20 speedy end
black cloud arose over the horizon Of the prosperous
merchant The pride OF the fashionable family was near
ats fan. At length, the crash that had long Deeh threat
ensd came with disastrous force involving the Whoie
household in financial and social ruin The father was
unable % Withstand the shock. and was soon carried on
by NJ Of apoplexy Scarcely pittanee OF the magni
cent fortune remained the support OF the family WHO
retired 90 humble and obscure home in the eountrY'o
struggle as they might with their adverse tate WIN
this point the main interest OF the story begins Ihe
author evinces ordinary skill in weaving web OF CIR
cumstances around his principal figures, which brings
out their intrinsic traits OF character, and Illustrates
their tendencies good evil in full process OF deve
opment In depicting the tragic aspects OF the situa
tion he exercises power Of natural and exact deserp
sion, which would do honor TO stu more eA-
perieuced writer Without aiming at sensational effects.
NE calls forth profound sympathy with his tender
and pathetic portraitures. The conflicts with empta-
eion on the one side, aud the aspirations after noble
aife on the other represented with equal hdehty
and expressive power. In the course OF the narrative
there are many OF peculiar intensity they are set
forth with the warmth OF glowing but the
author rarely Overeteps the modesty OF nature III ms
appeals 70 emotion. However passionate in feeling 10
salWays seEpos>csscd IN manner His tone indicates
CONSCIOUSNESS 81 reserved power which Is fully justified
py the composition Of the work.