The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-06-26

story, and not to be commended to the gen.
eral reader. especially of immature age.
Meanwhile. 1t is undeniably the work of a
strong, original and daring intellect. New
York: Cassell & Co.; Portland: Loring,
Short & Harmon. Price $1.0O
The Story of Two Lives. By Stuart Sterne
Miss Gertrude Bloede-well known as a
writer of verse under the name of Stuart
Sterne and has written novel which will
prove fav0rite with young and sentimental
readers. 1t has much imaginary passion,
rather crude. but the expression of pure
and unworldly mind. Miss Bloede has
talent, and ought, In future attempt, to
write very good novel; first, however, she
must free herself from the control of Miss
Muloch's manner, which attracts young
readers by its rather fantastic ideals of sem
timent and duty-while more experienced
persons enjoy it with discount upon these
extravagances. The Story of Two Lives is
not lifelike; 1t Is not observed from nature,
but is composition of the trite situations of
the novelst's repertoire. Also, Miss Bloede
does not invariably write good English: the
hero of her book '.may be some forty. per-
haps"-by which she appears to mean that
he was about forty years old. He was also
personality 'once seen not apt to be forgot
ten again"-which leaves the impression
that he must have been forgotten at least
once before seen at all. Still worse "he had
his hands quite severely burned"-a con-
struction which one often notices and de-
plores In hastily written newspaper local
Items, and which gives an air OF premedi-
tated purpose on the part Of the victim of
the casualty. 1t might possibly be said that
Mutius Scevola chad his hand severely
burned"-although even there purist of die
tiCn might object that he burned it himself !;
while in reporting an accident, the phrase
isawkward and incorrect. If these criti
cisms seem minute-let it be remembered
that perfection in detail Is the conscience of
art. Miss Bloede must. try again, and will
succeed If she shall be careful to write ac-
curate English, without provincialisms, and
to tell what she knows, not what she derives
from reading favorite novels. Practice in
short stories ought to avail her talents.
New York: Cassell & Co; Portland: Loring,
Short & Harmon. Price S1.0O.
Ida Randolph of Virginia. By c. Harlan,
M. d. Neither the title poem, nor another
extended romance in verse, Elfora Of the
Susquehana. appear to entitle DIR. Harlan to
the name Of poet. One is sorry to be unable
to praise verse written with such good will
and good intention. But unfortunately, it is
OF that commonplace kind, easier to write
than to read. In quoting the Advice to a
Dear Friend, 1t is only fair to say that 1t is
not the best, only the most amusing of DIR.
Harlan's productions.
Florence dear Florence sweetest rose Of thy
home,
Leave men OF low station severely alone;
For there will come one so portly In measure.
And mental endowment and worldly treasure,
He will please thy mind, and delight thy mother
ana seem In department more dear than
The best thing in the book is the portrait
OF the author, grave and kindly counte-
nance. But the gods did not make him
poetical-and 1t is no avail to force yoca-
tion. philadelphia: Ferris Bros.)
What to Eat and How to Serve 1t. By
Christine Terhune Herrick. This daintlly
bound little manual is make up of papers
contributed to Harper's Bazaar by Mrs. Her
rick, who inherits her housewifely talents
from her mother, Marion Harland, one of the
first and most efficient of the writers on do
nestle topics. This volume gives many sen.
sible and tasteful suggestions as to the fur
niture of the dining-room and the decoration
of the table. together with large number of
practical menus and recipes Mrs. Herrick
maintains very gracefully the fortunate
medium between extravaganza and baroness
Qf h0usQkQQnipO and HnnUc how fn ui ua
touches of elegance to simple arrangements
that need not overtax the resources of the
mistress of small establishment. New
York: Harper & Brothers Portland :lLoring,
Short & Harmon. Price 81 90.