The age-herald., 1898-11-20

logues, no incredible epistles which marred the force and strength of his former work. In '"The Battle of the Strong MT. Parker has laid the scene of his story in that pie turesque island of "Jerseyr recently made famous by the Jersey Lily" This little island forms one of the Channel Isles, and has often been the keeper of the gate of England, though it lies so very near the shores of France. MT Parker diselaims any intention of making a historical novel out of his story. He says that students of history may find certain resemblances in the life of Philip dAvranche to the sim gular and long-forgotten career of the young Jerseyman, Philip d'Auvergne, of the Arethusa, who, like the hero, became an English admiral. Yet, although he has drawn upon several incidents in the life of Philip dAuvergne, in the main the char acter is not historical. In the preface is found an old and rare map of Jersey re- produced, which gives the reader an accu- rate idea of the location of the interesting scenes of the story, and adds much to the reality of the occurrences.
 
 The story deals with the history of Jer- sey about twenty years before the opening of the present century, and is called a nance of two kingdoms, as the history of the turbulent events of France are in manner interwoven with the narrative. Mir. Parker begins his story with unusual frmness and strength, which suggests to the mind of the reader his perfect famii- iarity and mastery of his subject. The plot Is closely woven, every event tells, and there is hardly unnecessary incident in the varied and quickly shifting scenes The nst third of the book is well written and interesting enough as stories go, but the reader is not impressed with any marked strength or merit. Just at this point Mr. Parker essays to do what used to be con- sidered by old-time novelists a dangerous climax-he marries his heroine to Philip This may cause just moments disap- pointment to the reader but from this point the splendid ability and strength of the work manifests itself. The story seems to have received new life and vgor which is manifested by an impulse which palpi- tates with each natural sequence of the plot, opening the eyes of the reader to new Vistas or events and new phases of char acter. There are no unnecessary person. ages, although at the first the stage seems crowded Each person has his distinct part to perform and soon becomes ipdi- vidual and well defined. The heroine. Guida Landresse de Landresse, as her his- tory is traced in the opening pages of the book, may not seem unlike hundreds of other heroines who have endured even grater sorrow and suffering. But wait until Gilbert Parker finishes Guida When she said to Philip "Now read the truth. understand all now. I am no longer the
 
 from her simple life to give her so cruel a fate. Yesterday I was child today oh, above all else, do you think I can ever forgive you for having killed the faith, the joy of life that was in me! You have spoiled for me forever my rightful share of the joyous and good."- Even then the reader still confidently waited the inevit- able reconciliation.
 Guida Landresse convinces the reader convinces her friends, among them two lovers, and, above all, she convinces Philip that she is that rare creature-a woman who cannot love man unworthy of re- spect. Gilbert Parker's name must be add ed to that exclusive list of writers, mostly masculine, strange to say, who possess in some wondrously fntuitive way a perfect knowledge of the feminine heart. Mr. Parker has achieved a notable success in the character of "Guida," while at the same time he has given us the best work he has yet written. Consciously or uncon- sciously the author has created in Guida role for Heading lady" that possesses infinite possibilities and opportunities for dramatic talent and art. The character of Philip d'Avranche is also peculiarly fit ted for representation on the stage, be- cause from first page to last he is a proud, gallant and brave soldier. Life gave him every gift save truth, so that, although England made him an admiral France made him a prince, yet he was despicable, and takes his proper place as the inferior of every true man in the story. If the book has faults it is an occasional over elaboration, and, possibly, something too much of dialect. But this may be the taste and opinion of the reader rather than real defect of the book.
 PAUL PRY.