The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-06-21
j. j. Bell, Author Of Wee Mac.
greegor. Writes a New
Novel. The Pipes Of Pan.
Some Sweet Songs by
a Canadian Singer.
A NEW SOUTHERN STORY
"A Gentleman Of the South" by William
CARAT Brown, a. Tragedy Of the
Ante-Rellums Days--"The Two
vanrevels," Romance OF
Indiana, by Booth Tark-
ington- News and
Gossip glitter
airy World.

HTHKL. written by ]. J. Bell. Published
BY Harper Brothers. OF New York For
sale In Richmond by the Bell Book &
Stationery Company. Price. 81.
The extraordinary popularity achieved
BY j., J, Bell IN his "vee MacgreeEor,"
one Of the most charming of tho spring
publications. will bespeak for tho authors
latest venture an immediate and cordial
recognition.
There are several things to be COM
mended In his ''Ethel." which has just
appeared in the book world. The first and
foremost OF these is, that 1t concerns
itself with the sayings and doings OF two
lovers. and. despite what tho world may
saw the time hna not yet arrived when
this entranced clas of human Beings
has ceased to possess tho interest or all
about and around them.
Another feature in ETHEL" on which
the readers appreciation may be spent Is
the great appeal It makes through Its
plain simplicity and naturalness. There
is no straining after effect, no posing Of
70 n stage audience; situations comical
or pathetic develop naturally and easily
and receive endorsation from an inner
consciousness, which Judges and accepts
nv self.erected standards their posi-.
bility--nay their likely probability.
The story of ethel" is told In lively
t1ialogue-that is another point in Its
favor. Readers OF Anthony Hopes dolly
Dialogues" and OF Ellen Thorneycraft
Fowler's earlier books can readily un-
derstand the charm of the fine art OF au.
thorship in dialogue, and Of all that can
he conveyed to the reader In variety OF
Incident and freshness of expression
through its medium.
AS in ''Ivee Macgreegor," so in Ethel"
RI No. r. 81
happy. The two lovers, Ethel and Hugh
are attractive through their youth and
their cleverness. They ara not less SO
through their gay good humor. their
amiability OF disposition and their happy
outlook towards the rest of the world
Each chapter liz a revelation in itself
from the one which begins with Spring
Cleaning" to the last, which Is "Chie1ly
Chaff."
The, sound philosophy that is an essen.
t,al (lement in everything which Mr. Bell
wyftes is mainly discernlble in Ethel
: a+htough an upper crust of very acceptable
and infectious humor.
But this humor Is sweetcned and height
enea throughout by little patheuc touches
here and there which are all the more
appreciated by their force of contrast
The chapter devoted to "a Little Garden
ing" gives a good example OF an instance
Of this Kind. 1t tells that Hugh and his
sweetheart had been experimenting in
backyard gardening. He had grown tired
and attempted to dissuade her from her
idea. and thereby relieve him from the
task of spading up beds. That was at the
close Of one evening, and ust before he
said goodnight"
When he returned the next day. Hugh.
who writes in the first person, perceived
that:
"a The whole OF the ground had been dug
up and nicely broken. and he says at
once concluded that Ethel. not wishing
to give up her scheme. had summoned
professional assistance. 1t was quite I'M
reasonable OF me. but I felt little sore
However had no time for further
thought. for just then Ethel appeared.
Don't Hugf1 she exclaimed TincinG
when caught her hands.
What? Aren't we chums? know ]
don't deserve to be forgiven. but"
ut isn't that, dear, "she said gently
It's simply because T."
Let me Gee your hands Ethel" cried
seized with a sudden Inspiration.
She held them up after some persua-
slpn And then understood. I drew her
over to the window.
How on earth did you do it?' I asked,
with queer feeling in my throat.
Don't chaff me. Hugh" she said, Tin
wee bit tired
"Oh. Ethel! Ethel!''
Never mind, dear" she whispered.
In tbs days OF old a man kissed his
lady'e hand. In the spring of this year n
man kissed both his lndy's hands-not
cnce. but often. And think he learned
lesson.
Tho book possesses a special grace IN
Its purity. which renders it n good com.
panion for ell classes OF hook lovers. who
will be refreshed and invigorated by It's
ptrusal
Pipes OF PAN. BY Bliss Carmen. Pub
lshed by L. c. Page & Company o.
Boston. For salo in Richmond by III
Bell Book and Stationery Company
Price. sl,o0.
II ever there was poet laureate o
Nature 1t is the Canadian singer. BIS
Carmen. STEPPED IN the lore of brook
forest and river, his volume OF verse
which he quantity entities "Pipes o
Pam" is as full Of music as the rippl
OF the water beside which he fingers. .
ihe passing OF the breeze through III
pungent frs. whose bitter-sweet frae
rance breathesi In the message whlc
makes the burden OF his song.
AS Is sometimes said of painter o
canvas Bliss Carmen is a daring coiorls
The gorgeousness OF sunset skies. I'll
passionate glow of summer. the seren
fulfilment OF autumn glow in his yerF
and burn on his pages. The idyl q
springtime, translated by him into word
must quicken the dullest consciousness
and thrill the most apathettc heart
such lines as these.
.Foreyer. wherever the springtime
Hats by the open door;
The heart-sick are healed in the SUI
shine.
The sorry are sad no more.
Something brighter than morning,
Washes the window pane:
Something wiser than knowledge
Sits by the hearth again.
The reyei OF leaves Is beginning,
The riot OF sap is astir;
Hqswood and peach and magnolia
iIaye eryands they will not defer.
in the long sweet breath of the rat
wind,
In the warm, sweet hours OF sun.
They rise al I ehsursum corda,
A thousand uplifted as One"
The poet's worship OF nature is ass