Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-18

foundations or Ine society OF 1nltdSO. OIL
PittSburg. of Washin gton. are dragged
into the fever!sh arena of New York ex-
iStence. Because of the very familiarity
of many of the escapades the book has an
added life-likeness.
The theme is. moreover. presented with
a certain ergenesS. sweep. genera liZation.
which gives the book almost epic
force. 1t gains impressiveneSS by its very
extravaganza. Their can be no doubt
Of the vitality of The Metropolis" nor
can the reader refrain from prophesying
for it a really great effectiveness. 1t
should make every man or woman pause
and make question as to the trend of the
material standards which have become
the only standards of so large a proper
ton of the citizens of this country.
THE IDEAS OF A PLAN COUNTRY
WOMAN. BY The Country Con-
tributor. New York: Doubleday,
Page q Co.
Whether the author Of these papers be-
in truth. "a plain country woman or
whether she he a clever New York news
paper woman with keen appreciation
Of essential values. there can be no doubt
as to the homely wisdom and shrewdness
Of the thoughts she voices. 1t is the
older. primitive. home-making virtues
she celebrates in man AS well as women:
the simpler world of industry and thrift
she recalls. bringing back the influence
of half-forgotten ideals into the complex
life of the day. There is a breadth of
sympathy in the little talks. a knowledge
of most of the difficulties Of life as seen
from the feminine standpoint. And the
ideals eXtolled are those of active help
funess, the divine right to work that
selves most Of the problems which the
idle or morbid womaH may conjure up
for herself. The plain country woman
has known how to give sane and whole
some suggestions as to everyday affairs.
THE WEIGHT OF THE NANE. BY
Paul Rourget. author of "A Divorce"
etc. Translated from the French by
George Burnham Ives. Bos on. Lit
tie. Brown d Co.
Under it's original French title OF
az Emigre." it is possible that this re-
markable publication was more adequate
ly expressed, for 1t is the devotion to the
principle of family honor of the old no
blity in France that forms the motive
power in the romance. The discovery OF
a flaw in his title to the succession leads
Landri de ClaviersGrandcham mp to seek
exile from his own country. and leads the
old Marquis de C'aviers not only to con-
sent to the expatriatiOn. but to demand
it. even at the cost of the loss of every
thing that he loved. The admirable work
manship of the book is shown in the keen
of each one involved in the tragedy. In
those emotions is to be traced the living
presentiment of the old aristocracy in
France today. Even to the transatlantic
reader the picture cannot fail to be a
powerful one and to appeal The love ro-
nance involved is one of singular ideal
ity and purity; it illustrates the 'impellng
power of a real passion upon the man
whose worldlness has bean thing of
convention. not of spirit. Those who are
90 Sfn to oiltn
with the productions of modern French
literature would do we'll to read this high
and auStere romance.
WINDOW GARDENING. BY Herman B.
Dorner. With illustrations from
Bobbs5Merrlil Company. 10
The aim of the writer in preparing this
book has bean to give such directions
as will enable the inexperienced to over
come most of the difficulties which arise
in the growing of plants in the window
garden. The author has had an extended
experience in the handling of house
plants. which has led to a recognition of
the causes underlying difficulties. and an
effort has been made to suggest measures
of treatment which will enable the grow
er to care for his plants inteligently and
with a fair measure of success. AS the
book is intended for general use it is
simple and somewhat restricted in scope.
In the chapters on Towering and foliage
plants only the more common and suit
able forms are discussed The book will
be found an extremely suggestive and
practical one.
THE FOUR-POOiS MYSTERY. New
York: The Century Company
{. Here is singular and stirring story Of
mystery and tragedy. the mystery un-
solved till the final chapter which brings,
for two at least. the happy ending every