The San Francisco call., 1909-07-25
Antonio"

By Ernest oidmesdow. author Of ''sussn,'
ete. Puhlshed BY the Century company,
New York Price 81 so.
Antonio da Rocha is a Portuguese
Of noble family living in lisbon. He
becomes weary of the gay world and
decides TO enter the Benedictine mon
astery near Oporto. On the very day
when he is TO be formally received into
the order and win say his frst mass,
the decree suppressins the Benedictines
goes into effect. Antonio flies with
the other monks. but he registers a
mental vow that he will work the re-
mainder of his life in order to buy
back the property OF the monastery
and will then restore the church
He has been brought up among wine
makers and so naturally turns 70 that
for his livelihood. He makes a success.
but is known to the neighbors as a
wine grower and merchant, never re-
vealing the secret OF his calling. He
travels in England and not only ac-
qpires the language, but broadens his
social and intellectual horizon. Finally
he acquires 3 very useful servant, Jose,
who tried to kill him before they were
acquainted, and the two settle deYn to
an economical life. Jose is almost as
interested as is Antonio In saving I'D to
huy the monastery and every effort is
bent in that direction. At this peint
the monastery property falls into the
hands of an eccentric Englishman, Sir
Percival Lannion Kaye-Templeman.
and I'm moment all the plans of years
are blasted
and almost Immediately Antonio is sub
jected 10 as fearful temptation as could
hefall a man in his position. No one
knows that he had entered the church
and consequently there is no reason
why the lovely Isabel should not fall
in love. She is lovely creature, and
she appeals to Antonio'se heart as no
one ever has before. They are thrown
much together and a terrible struggle
ensues between Antonio and Isabel and
their love for each other. At last he
is forced to tell her the secret of his
life. but she can not understand why
he should sacrifice himself. and at last
she leaves in rage and returns to
England.
Mr.. Oldmeadows story is one of long
continued sacrifice and shows deep
study on his part OF the religion of
which he has written. Readers who
are not of the faith can not read the
book with the sympathy it deserves
they may even be impatient at the sac
rifice of so much happiness for religion;
but one and all viii admire the con-
sistent and strong character which he
has developed I'm Antonio and only
praise can be found for the simplicity
and beauty of the story.
After Isabel leaves Antonio, the au-
thor describes Antonio's struggles
alone. Finally he sees success before
him. The church is restored and he
says his first mass at the altar before
which he had taken his vows and for
which he had renounced the earthly
love and happiness. Isabel-twenty
years have passed-returns secretly to
witness Antonio's triumph. She her.
self has not wasted her life and the
interview between them is beautiful
and pathetic.
The great strength of Antonio and his
powers of resistance in the face of
tremendous temptation give Mr.. Old
meadow fine opportunity to argue in
favor of monasticism and the whole
story is strong plea for renuncia-
tion.
The book is a surprise after the light
and brilliant susan and it is source
of pleasure to find the author has these
undiscovered depths.
Our Inheritance" by T. Withers. is
a defense of the negro 1t is written
by a negro, evidently of good educa-
tion. and a man who has studied much
on the subject. Reading this it is diff
ficult to shut ones eyes to the right
of this much wronged people. The book
is inscribed to the Hon. Joseph B. For
aker, who has so often lifted his voice
in favor of the negro, and contains a
photograph of the author as frontis-
piece Tribune publishing company.
49,.