The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-22

| latest story is rs recent writer says, "a
story of but two people--the Others merely
glance in here and there and retire I'M
noticed"
Her latest Success, '"rhe Quick or the
Dead" has been widely read and criti-
ised; some of the criticisms are generous
! even too generous, maybe--while others
are marked by an unmistakable tinge OF
prejudice. Whatever may be said of her
writings either for or against, she has sue
ceoded in giving TO the world, as has been
truly said, "The only perfect Virginia ne,
gro dialect We have ever seen in print"
for this, II no other reason, she deserves
much praise.
Another southern author whose writings
have brought her into prominence is
Frances Courtenay Baylor. Her "On
Both Sides" is not, strictly speaking n
novel, there being no plot or effort to hold
the readers attention. The book is OF
two parts, written at different times, and
deals with different people and different
countries. One part treats of the eXpc-
rionces OF party OF Americans living in
England, and the other tells OF some
English people and their experiences as
tourists in America. The book ia well
written and contains many delightful char
acler sketches, showing wonderful talent
| for portrayal OF character. She has tray
| elcd quito extensively and has prolitcd
/ much thereby. The pages OF her charm
| ing book proclaim her to be distincliycly
American. Her name has long been one
of high social distinction in Virginia, and
although she was born in Arkansas, she is
essentially Nirginian. In her home
there is a literary club OF cultured Win
chester women. Here strangers meet who
come from all parts OF the country TO en-
| Joy the brcczcs OF the Alleghcnics.
Here" says friend. writing Of Miss
| Baylor's home, they find comfort in the
! thick walled, roomy old houses and health
In the pure water from the inexhaustible
mountain spring Winchcsters only res.
ervoir and Lord Fairiax's last best gift.
In this valley, embraced by Blue Ridge
and Alleghcnics, lives Frances Courte-
nay Baylor and two miles west
ward Of the town, over the road
which she 20 picturcsqucly described in
her latest novel, we drove 10 ElmwoOd, her
home. Her parlor has the sim
plicity which results from innate good taste
aud rich culture that indiyidualism which
shows here a souvenir Of travel, there bit
OF exquisite ncedlework. statuette OF
Thackeray or specimens Of old china. The
open piano, the well-dlled music rack. the
books scattered everywhere, with pretty
lamps 20 rad bv, the harmony AMI rest.
fitness Of the room showed il % be what
every parlor should be--the household
center.
The literary club spoken Of WIS christ
eued by Miss Baylor Ol.a-p0drida. itisa
medlev as b membership and program.
The visitor from the east. the north Or
WhersDcver is welcomed 30 It's lOld. each
rendering a part Of the program as his
fancy dictates; hence tho exercises ara
varied and interesting 20 al. A ln.nty
bit-yct unpublished -ir1m The pen OF
Charles Dudley Warner, 4 vivid letter
from a traveller along the shores OF the
Caribbean, an Original poem, a select ruao-
ing. music. DISCUSSION and the two hours
have passed lI tn sUon. but not without
pleasure anil profit 10 al.
Miss Baylor has. In Juan anil Iuanita."
entered new Geld. thar Of story-Writing
Tor young people. IN which she displays an
amount 81 originality and ability that are
and thit bib promise % give
the world some delightful southern stories "
Al VI. HENbEE.