The age-herald., 1900-04-15
Books R.! ?.!: o!E: -Read R; e; >s->BY N D>SS< >SHA


gives softness and benevolence to the character of the famous man that nothing else could so well have accomplished.
 
 Of course 1t is perfectly needless to say that the story possesses one of the sweet est love-stories found in a piece of fiction in many day; all that is taken for granted. The description and unfoldment of this story, however, is as quiet and pensve, sweet and attractive as is the person and nature of Rachel herself The author seems to know the intricacies of the feminine heart as thoroughly as he knows the sterner sex. For he turns from the furious fighting of Edge Hill Heights to a portrayal of the most delicate emo tions of a woman's heart with equal skill. Rachel is a fine, sweet character DOT trayed in a most positive way by her own words and actions, and in every way wor- thy of the very high regard which is spon- tanously given her from the first acquain- tance with her. She is a fine contrast to Madame Cromwell, mother of the protec- tor, and each gains in distinctness of char acterization by the portrayal of the other. Rachel Is modest and reserved, womanly and tender above all things with re- sponsve and lovable nature, which had al- ways known repression, raised as she was in so strict and stern a Puritan family. Not until she became a ward in Cromwells home, surrounded by cheerful and loving companions, did her natural and affection , ate dis position assert itself. In conse- quence when love came to her heart for the man of her choice, it was absorbing and passionate in it's intensity and power over her life. She is a charming creation. and will finger in the memory as one of the sweetest portions of an altogether de- lightful story.
 But just as pleasant memories will the reader cherish for the young hero Ralph; although VIC meet him first buried down by the acknowledgement of his wrong do- ing at college, he quickly rises above such youthful misdemeanors and henceforth we only see in him that which is worthy of our highest admiration and regard. Not too noble and good to possess many of the frailties of weak human nature, the possession of which but gives robustness and reality to his delineation But a man strong and honest and full of zeal and earnestness, and though tainted with the acknowledgement of an abhorred religious faith, he consistently proves himself faith ful and true in many of the most severe and trying experiences. Blunt and honest, but full of the true nobleness and religious spirit which ever characteriZes the Christi ian gentleman. The author knows well the soldier of the period and in Lieutenant Capell Reuben Sweetlove, Sanctify Jor- dan and others we catch the true spirit and life of the times and live again that vigorous life when forght valiantly
 
 knew nought of responsibilities but to op- press. Some very fine work Is devoted by the author to the Reverend Isaac Hep worth, whose consuming zeal in the open ing pages of the book knows no limits in it's desire to encompass the destruction of the ungodly With discrimination and commendable delicacy of treatment this irate churchman is eventually turned from his vindctiye course and under stress of trying circumstances drawn into a more charitable frame of mind.
 "Cromwell's Own" is a vigorous and strong piece of work; it is vivid and graph ic in its descriptions and scenes, and leaves - an unusually clear-cut, glowing impression of the man and the work he was called upon to undertake. The plot is we'll con ceved, and in its unfoldment the interest and vigor of action splendidly sus- tained. While there Is much fighting in the story, it is far from tedious, and the mar rative picturesquely described that the reader follows with breathless interest. The description of Edge Hill Heights, Cromwell's first battle, is one of the strongest scenes in the book and fully sustains the authors power to do strong dramatic work The story, too, is easily and gracefully written, and one would say, who did not search too closely for errors, that the seventeenth century English and manners are easily and perfectly sustained throughout the entire story-in itself a most difficult achievement. The fine con versations of the story are delightful . throughout. The author depends upon his characters own thoughts and words for portrayal rather than upon tedious de- scriptions. Just the well-balanced, convinc- ing and always interesting piece of fiction <, which gives the greatest amount of pleas ure and wins in each reader an enthusi- astic admirer.