The morning call., 1891-01-04
FRENCH IDEALISM
OF Welded love.
"Jeune MenagG" the Sensation Of The
Literary World.
Relative Positions of the Married Couple Re-
fore and After Marriage That's, the
Actress, and the Monk.
Special to THE SUNDAY CALL.

PARIS, Dec. IA, 1S9O.-"Jeune MENACE "
the new novel by Jules Case, is a sensation
in the literary world. The work is without
peer, and marks an era in Contemporary
literature. Petite Zette," the first work NJ
Jules Case, was much read. This debut an
nounced an observer of human passions. a
profound thinker and a rare writer One
felt while reading Petite Zette" that the
writer's elOquence was concealed by deli
cacy, but would shine in all its-splendor in
later works after the attention of the public
had been gained "Une BOurgeoise" and
"Fille Blanchard were dramatic recitals
of pastoral love and Bonnet Rouge was a
powerful study of ambition. In spite of the
strength of these works and the delicacy Of
"Aine en- Peins." Jules Cases reputation
only began with Amour Artificial"
''Jeune Menage" treats of woman in the
home, in society, of the role she plays, the
rank she holds. 1t analyzes the illusions
and decisions Of matrimony. and Monsieur
Case relates the story of young couple,
slowly separated by their mistakes and mis-
understandings.
They thought they loved each other, bat
their dreams of affection were different. one
from the other. Both were deceived, and
each thought the other culpable A delicate
young girl finds herself the slave of a mas
ter " HON she mnst blindly Obey Before
marriage she received from her lover only
homage and submission, but after marriage
the roles are changed. For her the awaken
ing is terrible Her husband is a man
whose mind has destroyed his heart-a man
in fact incapable of understanding feminine
nature. The duel between husband and
wife-the silent duel of souls-is described
by Jules Case with wonderful precision.
H. 8
made for the love of one person only, other
wise. after having chosen this person, why
must We at.any price consolidate and pre-
serve this affection? What pity should we
have for those who, after their dreams are
dead, continue to live, side by side, resigned,
patient StoicalP'
But, the day comes, when the husband
wearies of such an existence in the misun--
derstood wife he sees only a rebel, and she
is obliged to remain quiet when her husband
bestows his affections on another She
alone guards the hearthstone, bat she loves
no one, Is loved by no one. However, her
heart is treaSure-house of affection and
she longs to be loved. Young and beanti-
full, she is buried alive in life. Everybody
about her seems happy; she is alone, for
ever alone.
Fatality throws in her way some one who
accepts her love and she is forever lost. Tho
husband, thinking only of himself, becoming
her implacable judge. and to. avenge his
honor (?J repudlates the victim and leaves
her without fortune, without sympathy.
In "Jeune Menage" wOman's martyrdom
is described without the omission of one all
guish, without the. neglect of one torture.
Never has writer so thoroughly understood
the nature, the soul of woman. And Jules
Case not only relates the facts, but he shows
US his own emotions, his own indignation,
his own sympathy Tor those who suffer, and
makes himself the champion of woman.
The young novelist does not hesitate TO
proclaim the truth; and he says 1T is
not only my couple, my exceptional couple,
but so many other couples united, destllu-
the bitter harvest"
Some months ago ! met NJ. Jules Case at
the house Of an American, married to 4
Frenchman. The young wife had loved and
self for the frigidity of his own home,
and she, the neglected wife, WIS
planning then a future that might
be brighter, might be darker. From tue
history of this Franee-AmeTicap couple l
am sure Jules Case took the plot OF his
novel, and bravely he defended the helpLeSt
woman, deceived in all that'to her was moss
dear.
Another novel that takes very high rank.
Is "Ihais, by Anatola France. Although
published as serial in the Revue des .Deux
Mondes. 1t has just appeared in book form
and thousands of copies have already been
sold.
Anatole France is noted for the strength
OF his writings, but "Thais" is certainly
written in remarkable style. The time is
IN the fourth century, place Alexandril.
ana principal perSonages That's, a celebrated
actress, and Paphnuce. a savant. AnatoIe
France gives most interesting description
of the philosophers who seek truth in ali ;
theories from that of the Stoics to that Of
Epicurus. He paints brilliant picture of
Roman orgies, and describes the progress of
Christianity, already well-rooted in fertile
soil
hni 10 haxr
increase each year, and Paphnuce learned
hermit who wishes to save the Soul nf the
famous actress. He converts her and con-
duets her TO the desert, where live the holy
women; but-and here is the worlds Philos-
ophy-Paphnuce is in love with his rescued
sinner, and, no matter how many his pray
ers. how great his penitence. love triumphs.
While the angels bear away the soul OF
That's, Paphnuce kneels as her lover beside
her death-bed, and feels himself abandpaPd
by God Invincible love is the theme. but
if Anatole France eXaggerates an old mans
passion, he does so with vigor, grace and
style. Perhaps Anatole France found the
plot of his novel in an adventure of which
a great French actress was the heroine.
She spent several weeks in watering place
OF the Pyrenees, and one morning met
monk going to the village. OF him she.
asked her way, and, guiding her, the monk
questioned her As to her life, pursuits, etc.
Il am an actress" There was an Op-
pOrtunity for conversion, and so well did
the monk preach that the actress prOfeSsed
much interest in his remarks ami expressed
her desire TO profit by them. =
My daughter, l walk almost every morn
ing, and, If my ADVICE, my eOunSe4s can in
any way aid you, do not hesitate to come
here, and shall try TO guide you ia the
right path"
The actress decided TO meet the monk,
not that he might convert her, but that she
might pervert him.
When the actress reached the trusting
naA eta Il nrer. r.,l-
My child, l know for whom you are
waiting; he will not come for he is dead,
and the responsibility of his death rests
upon your shoulders. Go, and pray that
you may be forgiven!'
BARONESS ALTHEA SALVADOR.