The age-herald., 1900-02-18

or her natural place, and life with it's fate full workings has begun. There is no crowd ing os the canvass, although nearly the en- tire population of this portion of the new world takes part in the scene. Henceforth, although the story is a long one; the plot moves forward smoothly and briskly. It is difficult to preserve the unity of a plot where the series of events and interactions are of so difficult and complex a character. But, it is here splendidly done and incident follows incident with rapidly unfolding se- quence with interest and power which belongs alone to the genuine storyteller There Is not an eXtraneous scene or incl dent; not a line that could be spared or culled without injury to the whole. Not a pause In the advancement of the plot until the final climax is reached. which is a beautiful end of a beautiful story.
 
 Miss Johnston has been happy in the choice of her characters for her new work And surely there is no achievement of the human mind that can compare to the cre- alton eff a character in fiction, which as- Slrmes in mems regards the place of a living parsonage and calls out blame, or love- or pity as if it were real Novels of the roman- tic class depend more on incident and ac- ton than on character drawing for the strength of the work: particularly as the character in the romantic method is apt to be controlled by a certain set of motives which. though human, are for the most pa Tt in \abeyance in the life of ordinary mortals Sir Ralph and Jocelyn are certainly charac- ters that We may all unreservedly admire and, although somewhat idealized, are nevertheless strong and distinctly drawn, chara cterizations which we love to meet in our books, and which call forth the full measure of our praise. Jocelyn is sketched with a delicacy of touch and description that Is captivating. The uniqueness of her position and actions are ever truthfully sus- tafned by her petulant and whimsical moods. Truly the spoiled child of fattering fortune; yet always womanly, and tender and true. And when the demand comes stands forth, tried by affiction, strong and brave and worthy of the devotion of that homely here-Sir Ralph. The versatility of the author is proven in the variety and dis tinctness of the many characters. few masterly strokes, little shading here and there, and the sketch stands complete, whether 1t be the gentleman governor the exquisite favorite from the court of St. James, Lord Carnal; the Indian prince, M1ntuquas; the faithful "Diccon." or the brawny, brave Jeremy Sparrow The pirates bold come in for their share also and re- ceive accurate and adequate treatment as the daintiest maid.
 
 Many writers can conceive and construct a good logical plot: many can create char acters of flesh and blood. who really move and live, and are in every way convincing; many writers have a delicate and captivat- ing style, with power for word painting that is phenomenal: but few writers Indeed hold all these splendid qualities in so mar vellous a degree as Miss Johnston. With a style that is easy and symmetrical and altogether charming. she combines a die ton that is pure and beautiful. The de- soription of nature and suggestiveness, such come only from the ardent lover of nature. There are many strong, striking passages of singular strength. which finger in the mind and heart. There are strong scenes, too. which prove that Miss Johnston possesses dramatic power in her narrative. One of the strongest in the book, and cer- tainly the strongest in the presentation on the stage, is the scene on board the English merchantmen. when Jocelyn pleads for her husband before the new governor. who is on his way to take charge in Virginia. It is Q strong. beautiful scene, and here for the first time we see the kings ward in all the sweet womanliness of her tender, loving nature There are many passages that might be quoted, but they would not serve to illustrate: the book must be read as whole, and re-read. in order to extract all of it's sweetness. and grace, and tenderness. There Is plenty of adventure and fighting. which formed so nontable a part of the for mer work. though happily ot so much of the impossible and improbable. A num- Der of duels a shipwreck two, but all naturally sustained. quite in line with the possible. The closing lines of the book contain a beautiful thought which is but a brief epftome of the sweet sentiment of this beautiful story-"We passed the ship unhaied and glided on to the haven where we would be. The singing behind us died away but the song in our hearts kept on. All things die not while the will lives, love lives; the song may be now gay, now plaintive but it is deathless."
 PAUL PRY.