The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-07-11
zols- They are heslthful TO read. in spite of


| the shade OF melancholy which colors them.
Apropos OF NJ. Zola's new novel. I thought IL
good idea to Interview tho author He lives
at 81 Rue de BruNclles, n small private house
The entrance hail. tho stairs. and the parlor
are over furnished with bric- brac of all sorts
antiquities. and curiositics OF the most diverse
style and origin. The furniture In general 10
hoavy and heavily gided. and tho higgledy-
pigglcdy collection OF things from every whore
gives to NJ Zola's home tho look OF store.
room for very large bric-a-brac shop. was
shown into the parlor. Beside tutted round
sofa, evidently Just from tho maker. stood q
Louis NV. chair and a rocco sofa. A sedan
chair complete. heavily gilded and with its
poles. stood In the centre OF the room. clay
bust OF the owner OF all these things stood on
the mantelpiece.
should not have boon surprised had NJ.
lola appeared with cooked hat under his
arm. In tight breechos and long tailed coat,
sword at side: but he came in dressed as
everybody ia dressed. and l explained to my
own satisfaction. from the kindly and absent
minded tone Of his greeting. that he did not
sec tho things about him as they were lie
talks to you face to face-this expresses my
feeling exactly-as II he was interested else
where as II on top OF q wall with q person
whom he did not care to see.
las to tho theories developed OF tho end OF
DR.. Pnscalp" Isuggestod.
Certainly" answered NJ. lola: then sliding
to another subject: There is nothing den-
nitive in what have said there. These
phenomena OF heredity have been the object
OF many theories. and theories. and scientific
hypothesis. as you know. change every twenty
years. Scientific books Of authority fifty years
ago do not exist"
And tho genealogical tree. NJ lola at tho
beginning OF "A Pape of Love p"
THAT treo." cried N. lola, was drawn up
by DR.. Pascal. It Is not tho law and tho proph-
cts: tho theory OF innateness is greatly opposed
to-day. lam no scientist and have only pro-
tence Of having studied medium. Here 10 the
ending Of the Rougon. Marquart"
is your next book to be on Lourdes2 Shall
you study the role OF suggestion in the miracu-
lous phenomena OF Lourdes"
You know do not believe in miracles. but
I shall study without prejudice Ny process
has always been to give very little prom snce
to my plot Crowds have always attracted me,
thus 1t is the medium Of Lourdes that have
wished to study. that hope OF future life.
which will be the principal object OF my ro-
nance Another thing has attracted me: the
history Of that town. unknown yesterday. IA
nous to-day. The principal hero Of my plot.
which. as you gather. will be slender. will bo
that little Bernadotte that shepherdess to
whom the virgin appeared. who separated
from the world, lived life Of privations. seem
ingly because she believed herself the object
OF a special grace.
Invent to Lourdes last April. made my OBJ
servations and investig atoms, and believe that
the child acted in perfect good faith"
DO you not intend to study the revival OF
mysticism?"
The neo-Catholic movement Certainly:
but that Is q movement dictated by tendencies
infinitely higher than those which study In
my novel 'Lourdes.' and shall study 1t es-
pecially in q novel to be called Rome Then.
to end the triloey. l shall write third novel.
Paris where l shall study the socialistio
movement for you must not forget that to-
morrow is for the Socialists
"A last question. NJ. lola Certain wise men
claim that the world is on the eve OF discover
ing new forces, of new conditions Of matter.
They speak of It generally as psychical force
Do you intend to take up this subject2 Docs
1t interest you2"
Il think not" answered M. lola: there ID
too much charlatanism in 1t for me-"
rose: NJ. lola came with me to tho landing.
with the unfathomsble good nature which
makes him receive with the same kindness an
art critic who wishes to discuss literary ques-
tons with him. or a reporter anxious to know
the best bicycle. Good BY" he said; 800 II
you can make anything out OF what I've said"
As went along the street thought Of the
worker and poet living in It. and phrase from
DR.. Pascal" came into my mind: He at
tanned. very quietly and gently. complete in-
difference to the happenings Of life"
RAYMOND DALI