New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-08-23
NEW PUBLICATIONS.


PATTY's PERvERSITIEs. [RoundRob series.l 1Gmo,
li'. w., 3Jc James Il. Osg0od & Co.
If the management of the sensational apparatus
Of this NOVELETTE, stolen WILL The guilty secret the
conspiracy, etc.-is somewhat crude the story hso
merits which atone for defects in the plot anu
which Indicate it's intrinsic quality much n"ic &C
curateIy than these imperfect devices OF mystery
The chief idea of the book is well denoted by the
title; and we find ourselves sufficiently entertained
with the engaging errors ami nathrai lhc"hsisteh-
cies of tie winsOme heroine, Wi hout taking much
concern in the wicked wiles OF other p"rsonageS
represented in her company Patty IS drawn with
no slight knowledge of the intricaccS OF the female
disposition. We are always at n loss to imagine
what she will do next; and though she generally
does what we should least have expected. We admit
that her conduct is III keeping with her character,
and that she is most anna bic when she is most pro-
voking. The other actors in the tale skdtchcd
with less care, but the features of the most npor-
tant of them are dashed OIL with free dom and ygor
that are quite effective. None of them at any rate
dull. Liveliness is perhaps the distinctive
characteristic of the book. The action. if not en-
citing, is incessant; the dialogue is almost always
bright, and often witty at least droll. AS
specimen of the authors vivacty copy these
bits of the cOplOus conversation of New England
"hep' Bathalina Clemens
The life of Bathalina Clemens was one long wall
in the past-potential tense. " might have been"
was the refrain of all her days
:" might ha been Peter Mlxon's wife, if my sinful
pride hadn't made me hgh-mindeI," she said con-
tinually. How'd / know he'd give up easily,
cause said wouldn't let him lick the ground
Che nasal melancholy of camp-mcctnc minors
hoated after her angular form like the bitter odor
from wormwo God or tansy. She rcproved the evity
OF those about her with an inner satisfaction at
hnvng borne testimony and partlG;aary Gid
continual thorn to Bathalina.
It's SO like the Amorites and the Utilities and
Invites" she groaned, I" to be always singing and
How'll
when You come to your latter ends Would you
dance on your dying bed :"
Probably not" Patty answered, laughing moro
than ever: hut can't tell"
The spranng of .patty's ankle seemed to Bahia
lima u direct visitation of Providence reproof for
her vain merry -inaking.
al knew some judgment would happen to you.''
the servant said g" My sinfuluess has been visited
upon me- If you'd only live as you'll wish yon had
when you come to stand around your dying-oed|
Bathalina," Patty said sedately, am glad you
mention it. intend to behave until my ankle gets
better; and wanted to ask you if you'd mind tax
ing my place Ill the theatricals we are getting up.
You may mock now" retorted Bathalina wrath
fully but at the last you bite like adder, and
you that going this afternoon to the funeral of
my cousin Sans first wfe's child"
Is she deadW asked Mrs Sanford. / hadn't
heard OF 1t though now ! remember did hear
dog howl night before last"
~ suppose she's dead" tho servant answered;
because, when l was oyer there Saturday; Jane
said TO me, says she, We shan't churn till after
Emma dies And she wouldn't ha said that if she she,
always has their funerals Wednesday, thought l
better 90 over.
But tonight is bread night" Mrs. Sanford OBJ
iected while Patty sank back in commissions of
laughter
"WelPm I'll mix it up early tomorrow morning"
"NO," the housewife said decdedly "nonc of
your bread raised by daylight III my house. I'll
see to it myself tonight. Grandmother Sanford is
coming to-day and she knows what good bread is,
if anybody does"
"Mother" Patty asked as the door closed behind
Bathalina do you suppose Bath is as crazy she
seemst She talks like perfect idiot.
"Well,' her mother answered meditativcly,
"sometimes think that perhaps maybe she isn't;
and them again, don't know but after all l can't
tell but she is"
" How came you homo so soon 7" Patty asked.
SDidnt they have the iuneralI'
No." the doleiul servant answered. Emma
amt dead so they had to put it off, Jane
cluded to do her churning after all but she says
she's in hopes get through the burylng by next
"Wednesday: And should think she'd want TO; for
thatll finish up all the first wifc's children. tn
naturally give her time to look after her own"
Did you ever hear anything so atrOcousw eX-
claimed Patty, the mald-servaut disappeared
round the corner of the house. /" The way she talks
about that funeral is more crazy than her usual
speeches and that is certainly needless"
Don't Names" glossy asked pensively always
convey color to your mind, Mr.. Bloodf'
Convey cOlorf
ayes. Like Caroline you know that always
makes me think of pale yellow, and Susan of rcd,
and Mary of blue"
"What nonsensci" laughed her cousin. "What
color would Bathalina suggcstP
THAT name" said Flossy, alw avs calls mp
grayish. dirty green, like faded lnsey -woolsey."
And at that moment the dlnner-bell rang.