The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-10-28
contemplate. like snobbishness and for

contemplate. like snobbishness and for
parties goodnaturedly even while making
one despise their faults. Even Svengali
is not the double dyed villain in the book
which Mr.. Potter has depicted in his
DEMONSTRATION; his boundless egotlsm is
an amusing manifestation of laudable
am uitiOn and b settled purpose, which be
realizes after tireless effort. The hypnotic
episodes have, perhaps, aided to the
fascination of the story, although un-
pleasant in themselves
Du Maurier is fond of taking some be-
lief just gaining partial credence among
the people and carrying it into fanciful
development; he should not be taken too
seriously.
Hypnotic suggestion is demonstrated
fact; double personality is possible
through hypnosis. but none of these Will
scientifically account for Trilby's exper-
fence in all respects; 1t would require
mixing OF the personalities OF operator
and subjec in manner that science at
present has not proven to be possible ;the
most encouraging word OF late in the
history of this science is the growing be-
lief that hypnotiZed Inject Will not ac'
cept suggestions which are totally oppos-
ed to his own individuality or moral con.
vCtions.
One of the altogether charming features
OF the book is the New Man that it de-
picts. Trilby is no more lovea5le than
are Taffy, the Laird and Little Billee;
their strength is made secondary to
toeir ten derness; their genius is of less
account than their loyalty and their high
breeding, manifested by their genuine
democracy. And last but not least their
true manlness is shown by their readi-
ness to take Trilby for what she was not
taking it for granted that an ignorant
bo1 10 haau pf n a
impossible to her.
Trilby's awakening to new life and
light through the power OF love and noble
human fellowship is the supreme motif
in the story. Future ng-doing be-
comes utterly impossible to her because
ideal Of true womanhood. NJ modern
writer has shown more exalted IDEAL OF
love than has the author of Trilby. To
him it is the supreme power for the up
lifting of the world; purifying, unselhng.
exalting wherever it takes root.
The moral atmosphere OF Trilby is pc
culiarly braoing. because so absolutely
tree from conventional motives. No pub
lie sentiment requires obedience in this
Bohemia; goodness wins allegiance by
its own beauty. The tragedy OF the story
follows because Society, as represented
by the mother of Billee, cannot Judge ac-
cording to real things, ana SO her son $
soul power becomes mum bed, Trlby be-
comes an automaton, and both slip out
of life to the despair of the krcpentant
mo Their.
brave story! Is it worth the telling ?
Yes, verify. Difficult and often i'm prac'
ticable ii we seek to generalize, but need
ed, perhaps, more than any otner lesson.
For if God is in the world there can be
no plague spots in it which will not yield
to the divine forces. We must have faith
in the power of these forces to redeem
character to the uttermost. and with this
faith will come reverence for the hlgh.
est voice which speaks in the individual
soul that will not permit of our attempt.
ing to tn wart it by artificial standards.