The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-21


cent than they might be save for cOntras
with the eommcnplaces with which they
are surrounded. They are the heights thai
touch greatness. But they tower above
the rest.
Clyde Fitch has done a singular thing
by the way, in introducing the staircase al
fair of the novel into the first act OF his
/ drama especially since that introduction
( involves an ever-unpleasant dark change
{ With Aphonse Daudet the bit was of prime
value Jean. carrying his new love up the
four flights. found her weight growing more
unbearable al every step. The
pleasure of the trial became less
/ an that he vas uplifting. but some
! thing heavy and horrible. which suffocated
/ him. and which he was tempted each mo
ment to let fall; to throw away from him
in anger at the risk OF brutality crushing it,
| Arrived on the narrow landing: Already.
she said. opening her eyes. lie thought
| AT last Mark, Their whole history.
this ascent in the dreary grey of the morn
ing" This is finely significant,
But MIR. Fitch merely utilizcs the
strength OF Jean Gaussin. The task is ac-
complished without seeming difficulty.
There is no prophecy of the dread there
after. Save that it hints the approaching
union of the two the situation does not
have to do with those preceding or follow
ing. And. as has been said. it renders nee
cssary three minute pause. The effect
might be Incorporated in a climax at the
ball. There would be nothing out Of har-
mony with the theme in such an alteration
Perhaps. among readers OF criticisms
book. "Sappho' or being familiar with
that book. who still do not know how the
adaptation has been made. To these.
repetition of the story might not be amiss.
II opens. as between the binders covers,
at the house OF NJ. Dechellette. where is
being held a wild carnival OF artists,
models. actresses. Thither goes Jean
Gaussin. fresh frGD the south country,
with the sun-tan yet on his face; come 10
Paris to study diplomacy He meets Fanny
Legrand. The two are mutually attracted.
While all the Others dine. they talk. The
woman learns the short history OF the
man. They are more drawn together
When Flamant. who has forged to OBJ
tain money for Sappho, which name Fanny
LegraHd also bears. is arrested. and she
declares her belief in his innocence. Jean
proclaims that belief. too. But Jean ard
Fanny go home in company. He carries
her upstairs.
Jean Gaussin again takes to his apart
ments in Paris. where he Is visited by his
uncle and aunt. whose daughter, a sweet
girl, he is intended tn marry. The siren OF
the ball who has sought him out. is In
the next room when they call. Jean. ex-
perlencing some Qualms Of conscience
while alone with his prospective fiancee.
is won again. when told of the love of
Fanny Legraud. They part-he TO remain
and pTxpare for her return. she. with the
avowed purpose OF bringing to him proof
of her passion. VI. Deehelette enters aud.
knowing naught, Identifies Fanny LIE
grand with Sappho Of whom the youth has
heard only evil She comes back: finds
the friends discussing: divines everything.
NJ Deehelette is driven away Fanny
pleads tensely. She has brought her old
letters that they may burn her past. This |
he does, brutally forcing her to read GER |
tain of them aloud. But, In the end. he |
tofgives. Still sobbing. she throws her |
self upon him. lie buries his face In her |
hair.
They hire cottage In the country-these
two Both are very happy, until Jean
grows tired. Uncle Cesaire carries word
that his wife. though cognlzant Of what
has happened. still will accept the boy as
n son-in-law. Jean determines TO leave.
His determination takes sudden form when
he discovers that lad to the adoption of
whom he has consented is the child OF
Fanny and OF Flamant. the forger. There
Is terrific scene between lover and mis-
tress. She groyels at his feet II no lon
ger ask for your care" she cries. LET
me stay to cook for you; to black your
,oots!" He is memorable Sobbing, pant
ing. fainting. she clings to him. She will
1ot-will not let him 90. He takes her