The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-01-23

novel. 1t is necessary to fully appre- ciate, as we'll as understand-as few people do--the entire six verses of MT. Kiplings wonderful "The Vampire"
 The title, motve and theme of MT. Browne's novel is based upon the first lines, of course where 1t is plainly stated that there was a fool and that he made prayers to what the less tenn peramental1y inclined insist should be disposed of at a junk yard, namely, a rag, a bone, and, as the Chicago Record Herald once called 1t, "a hunk of hair"
 The entire six verses of 'rhe Vampire furnish MT. Browne with his story, which he has placed in every day, 2Oth century fittings, a change that, unless you hap pen to have particularly exposed to the weather or cultivated to a remarkable degree your artistic temperament you are likely to find 1t difficult to get within all the atmosphere that MT. Browne fur nishes at least find 1t hard to breathe that ether easily.
 The fact that "The Fool'' of other and present days made prayers to a peculiar assortment of things has not disturbed so much the writer of The Vampire or even MT Browne as does the fact of the years we waste and the tears we waste belong to the woman who did not know" That, "The fool was stripped to his foolish hide, which she might have seen when she threw him aside, but 1t isn't on record that they lady tried" aye, there's the rub; the woman didn't know why, didn't care why and it Isn't on record the lady tried" to find out why. The result being that the question must ever remain in your and this reviewers mind as to whether MT. Kipling and men generally in their affection or affectation for "The Vampire really enthused over 1t because the lady didn't know why or simply didn't care to try to know why a matter of indifference to the lady; Q solar piexus so to speak. at mans dig nity. a killing blow.
 MT. Brownes novel deals with the story of & man who was most happily married and who had one lovely little daughter. This man becomes entangled with The WomaM"; he became entangled with a woman, just as will every man that ever lived become 50 entangled, to the loss of pride, friends, money, reputation--every- thing, if the right woman comes along.
 Of course, you wouldn't be so "easy," we all understand that. But the state- ment is made, the game will be played as 1t is laid out, namely, that when the right woman comes along, puts the high sign on the man desired, it Is all off for pride, reputation, everything-with every man, everywhere. Bromides don't be- lieve that, of course. but the next Sulph- ite you meet, the only people in the world it is not pleasure to avoid, ask him or her If the proposition just stated is not correct.
 John Schuyler was in bad with "The woman" His wife and child had been taken from him, very properly. "A damn able strange case, the whole thing. Grew somel Devilishly good fellow Schuyler. Brainy, too. He would have been one of the big men of the country If 1t hadn't been for this"
 "A chance to save him? They shook their heads and smiled. grimly. You know how 1t is yourself. When a man gets into the hands of a woman like that, what can you do? Say anything against her and you have to fight him. Tell him he's a fool and he tells you to mind your own business. Try to reason with him, then If the man had any reason left In him. there would be no occasion to req son. It's hard, true. But your hands are tied. It's just 'Good-by' and prayer for the next man. So they reason. And could Blake say that they were wrong? Coulo you"
 MT. Porter Emerson Browne has, Of course taken hold of 8 very big theme in "A Fool There Was'-the history or the world, in fact. He has made or ms novel, an interesting book: whether It IS convincing, whether MT. Browne will get across the footlights" with his motive, with readers generally, well. that's diff ferent proposition-another pair of snoes' as the English say. The novel will ln- terast YOU for the time being, st any rate. which Is something to be thankful for.
 .~rhe Trend of Scientific Thought Away From Religious Beliefs,' by Horatio
 Oliver Ladd, s. T. D. (Rich G. Badger,
 Esq.)
 This small volume is ''respectfully ana affectionately inscribed to the Right Rev. Frederick Burgess, D. D., bishop of Long Island"
 MT. Ladd says in presenting his theme for discussion, 1t assumes two forms: Hfrst. d doubtful question. Is the trend of present scientific thought away from re,,rious beliefs? MT. Ladd says that this will appear to be answered affirmativeiy. Second: Is that scientific thought wnlon undertakes to support religious pehe1s consistent with it's main contention or holding a Monistic basis for the universe of Tnafter of life? MT Ladd says that the conclusion will appear to be that scien- tiAo thought on the whole Is really az nostfc or indecisive as to religious pe- liefs and therefore has trend away troiu them This treatment of the question conprehends only the scientino tnousnt of the last 25 or 30 years, ana IS an oI. fort to determine It's character and trend at the present time.
 Mir. Ladd answers both Of nls questions in the little 29-page volume-to ms own satisfaction at least.
 MT I,add closes his little book with 8 paragraph which explains nis reasonins' .sReligion Is based on the facts Of the. sn,ritual consciousness of man which have been multiplying and becoming clearer ever since his intelligent history began"
 "rhe Florentine Frame,' by Elizabeth
 Robins. (Moffat, Yard & Co.)
 "The Florentine Frame" is a big novel, an interesting one, very strong delinea- tlon of the characters in the latest book of that talented, gifted Elizabeth Robins.
 The plot is not very much; that Is, 1t wilI not require much space within which to give you sidelight on it. It deals sim pIv with a very charming woman, widow with millions who has 16-lear-old daughter in the city of New York. This widow had sold herself in the matrimonial marketplace, which she had perfect right to do, of course. But this widow, as the wife to a very rich man, had not been superlatively happy, strange as that may seem When the rich husband died there were tears, of course; the longer the old financier remained under the sod Inc 5earer man he became in everybodys eyes particularly in those of his widow. The widow. having lots of money with lit- erary tastes and things of that sort. which must be cultivated, you know, 1t would be. oh! so wrong to neglect a talent like that; you have no right to hide such