New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-15

been presented with such consummate skill
Dumas would have given greater brilliancy 10
the dialogue and might have rendered the de-
tails more picturesque, but he could not have
accomplished the task more tersely, with greater
clearness more powerfully"
This is a great deal, when coming, as II does.
from most conscientious observer, by no
means prone 10 praise.
NJ Brieux the author of lie Berceau.' has
an essentially combative temperament. and his
robust satire has been successfully launched AZ
popular education In "Blanchette," at art IN
Manages dArtistes," at science in "L'Eyasion,'
at universal suffrage In IL Engrenage,' AZ
charity In Les Bienfaiteurs," and now at d.
vorce in lie Berccau."
Mile Laurence Marsanne has to choose be-
tween two suitors, both of whom are sincerely
devoted 10 her The elder admirer. George de
Grieu belongs TO an influential family Of magls-
trates enjoys wealth and social position but ls
twenty years Mile Marsanne's senior. Ray
mond Chantrel Is young, handsome and brill
liant bu, his worldly standing is not assured.
Laurences parents urge her to accept M. de
Girieu Her father. NJ. Marsanne, a retired
lawyer is convinced that his daughter can never
find a more suitable husband than the son OF
his lifelong friend But Laurence, in spite CT
her parents wishes, accepts Raymond ChantreL
NJ and Nine. Marsanne predict that the union
will not be happy one. The young people are
devoted to each other. A son is born. Laurence
loves the child with all the passion of mother
who finds the features OF an adored husband re-
produced in her infant This happiness does
not last long. One fine morning NJ and Nine.
Marsanne are startled by Laurence bursting
into their apartment in tears and apparently
he has discovered
band has been flirting outrageously with one OK
her friends She sees no remedy but divorce.
Her parents instead Of urging their daughter to
pardon her husbands first offence, for the
chds sake if for no other reason encourage
her to begin proceedings in the divorce court
NJ Marsanne is delighted 10 find that his pre-
diction is verified The astute Did lawyer sets
himself 10 work to break marriage which ne
never approved The divorce Is obtained The
mother retains the custody OF the child, but the
Court allows Chantrel TO see his son once a
fortnight. A year afierward Laurence partly
from pique partly because she wishes TO nave
a protector fol her SON. and partly owing ~ ner
parents persistent wishes, is married to NJ de
Girieu The child falls sick. Nine. de Girleu
saws 10 her husband: You don't seem to care
for this chlld?' NJ. de- Girieu replies: Certainly
| am fond Of the child, because l love you"
Then after reflection: mo- l don't Ike the
child although have made superhuman efforts
to do so. It resembles its father The sight OF
it arouses my jealousy, and il reminds me that
YOU once loved its father"
The sickness becomes critical Chantrel asks
10 be permitted 10 the child. Grieu at first
refuses and finally yields. He realizes that he
is compelled to consent, although doing so yirtu-
aIlv amounts 10 his resignation as Laurences
husband Chantrel enters the room. he and
Laurence seat themselves beside the chllds
cradle They bend over their child and feel It's
pulse They examine the doctors prescription.
what infusion?" "Mallow?" NO remember,
when he had the measles. il didn't suit HIM"
"Tea Is better" Yes, l recollect" And you
yourself-don't allow yourself 10 become nern-