The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-07

FELIcIA-That Ia about on par with that family
IN which we boarded one summer, that kept q
toothbrush tied to the pump, ana each member
would come out IN turn, wash and clean MS teeth
with the same brush.
The MorHER-l remember that circumstance,
and, by the way, they all had remarkably fine
teeth.
Mas RACHEL-I think that we have all thor
eughly enjoyed this volume. dom. know how
should have passed this "long long, weary day'
without it, ana IT has given us very pleasant
evening. The bric-a.brac series Is an established
institution now, and only hope il VIII grow into
library before II is finished.
THE VILLAGE SURGEON.
FEMCIA-Mother, here Is a book you will like;
found 1t among LOT OF English books on Fred's
table and have spent the morning reading It.
The MOTHER-What Is the name OF the delightful
story?
FELIcIA-"The village Surgeon" 1t is written
by Arthur Locker, editor OF the London Graphic.
The MoTHER-I believe he IS a brother Of Fred
eric Locker, who has written some very retty cers
de sOciete. What Is Mr.. Lockers BOOK like since
you recommend II so hignlyf
FELICIA--lt is not exactly what You would mag
Inc the diary o. physician to be. There Is only
enough OF the "shop" about 1t to answer the pur-
pose Of the story, and 1t ia written just as any
young fellow, with more than the usual amount
OF brains would write journal. Matthew Altar.
dyce Is not very sentimental young man. and
although he does stop now and then 20 make a
comment or heave sigh, he Is never tiresome.
His love story Is written in such touch and-go
sort OF style that was long time in finding out
what we're the real state OF his affections.
The MorHRR-Are there no exciting adventures
1t seems TO me that young physician should have
great many to relate.
FELICIA-rhe story is very quiet one at the
time the diary Is written, and the scene Is laid IN
a small village, where the writer settled down into
responsibility. He had passed rather a Wild and
stormy youth as a medical student III London, and
later IN California and Tex as. He had too, love
AFFAIRS IN his youth, TO winch he refers. One OF
these turned out badly Tor his peace of mind,
though he did nothing that an honorable gentle
man would not have done. did not altogether
sympathze with his last affair, although the
woman was dear, good creature. But IL seems
TO me there must have been something lacking IN
a woman who would have married such ploated
Old hulk as her first husband. He had not re.
deeming trait l must not tell you the story,
though, If you are going to read 1t.
The MoTHER-lou have only told me OF the hero
and The heroine. Are there no other characters {?
FELloIA-ies, and good ones too, The best Of
these is Mrs. Colyer, talKauve clustering sort OF
place She is very well drawn and reminds one
OF people that one meets once in a while. Her
son. Joseph, is not particularly interesting but he
showed his good sense in liking that favorite
game OF mine, spelling words with mixed letters,
which Allardyce got so mad at every time he
brought it OUT. Old Hartland is good sketch Of
his kind: but the charm OF the book is the easy
and graceful way in which 1t is written. You feel
all the time that Alardyce is O real man, his Jour-
nal is so natural. He has no crimes to confess or
NO hairbreadth escapes to relate; yet he interests
the reader in every page.
The MoTHEB-lt takes q clever writer TO do that,
FELlCrA--Mr. Locker Is unquestiOnably clever
man. 1t is seldom that 80 good editor il so
good writer. He commands the best language
and writes like gentleman who Is sure OF an
audience among his own class.
AN OLD FRIEND IN NEW CLOTHES.
The DocTOR-Fred, that Is an interesting look
ing book under your arm. What is iii
FRED (handing the book to his iather)-Ths Is q
new edition OF Charles Lamb, imported by Scribner,
Wexford Il Armstrong 1t is that best beloved
authors complete works in one volume.
The DoCroR--l thought recognized an Old
friend, in spite OF his new clothes. Here they all
are carefully cutting the leaves "Od Cnina,u
one OF my pets; "A Dissertation on Roast Pig"
which admire the least of any; "The South Sea
House;' ION Some OF the Old Actors" yes, every
scrap that Lamb ever penned is nere-stories
poems and plays.
Miss RAcHEL-I have the tenderest feelings
toward Charles Lamb. always feel that he was
one wnom knew. There are lew authors with
whom one becomes so intimate. never tire Of
reading his essays. Let me be unfit Tor any otner
reading, can always pick up Lamb and enjoy
him.
EEIICIA-Hlg stories 0nnrpCiQfph
OF course every one admlres his essays, but
among these very admirers you will find but q
small number who know anything about his tales.
FRED--What a delightful critic Lamb was.
There is a subtlety that one looks for in vain in
modern criticism about That which he wrote. By
the way, have you ever noticed how FOND those
old writers were OF the stageY They were nearly
all admirers OF the drama ana frequenters of the
green room; they bobnobped with Garrick, Sid
dons and Kean. and even lesser lights came in
for share OF their praise. They used to go to
the theatre nearly every night, and the actors
relied upon their criticism.
The DOCTOR-In England literary men and actors
fraternize to greater extent than they DO in
this country. OF course the two professions now
more or less together here, but do not think
they are ever so intimate as they are across the
water.
FRED-More's the pity, for the intimacy could
not fail to result In mutual good. The Arcadian
and Lotos clubs have done great deal toward
bringing the two professions together, and their
success is proof that the experiment has not been
in vain.
Miss RAcHEL-My pet among Lambs essays Is
the one on ''Od China," 1t is so cosey and home
like; and then you know that old China Is my pas
sion.
FRED-Rather an expensive passion nowadays
n
without Sevres or Wedgewood so long as can
get the quaint Dutch and Chinese ware.
FELlCIA-Fred, books like that make splendid
presents.
FRED take the hint, gentle as it Is put; the
book is yours, fair sister.
'FoR BETTER FOR woRsE.n
''What is this novel, Felicia, with the announce.
ment the cover thatsit Is fully equal to the
initials 7" said Miss Rachel, taking up copy OF
Ion IN