South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-07-27


early history or Kentucky than is
James Lane Allen, himself a native
OF the Blue Grass state.
He chose as his setting for The
Choir Invisible" that picturesque
period during Washington's admin
istration when the Mississippi was
Just being opened for navigation.
and great tides OF pioneers were
migrating through the Allegheny
highway 10 settle the sparsely
populated regions Of the west and
south.
Lexington. KY. CHANGING 20 be
directly in the path OF one tribu-
tary OF this current, received not
only many Of those who were aban-
doning the cities OF the coast for the
untried territory OF a newer land.
but also others who, having tested
out the Utopian western country
and left there health, wealth, and
dreams Of success. were returning
broken-hearted 20 the homes from
which they had come.
Hence in Lexington one encoun-
tered persons OF every class There
were students from William and
Mary college, voyageurs travelling
for adventure. traders. the gentler
bred English cOlOnist from Vir-
GINA, hOmesteaders. and even an
occasional group OF friendly In
dians.
II was a heterogeneous populace,
high OF courage and strong Of forth
tude, that amid clearing in forest
and cane-brake laid the foundation
OF this fine old southern city; a
popuIace not 10 be daunted by dis
comfort. privatiOn, or unceasing
toll.
The heroes and heroines who
thus sacrificed their lives on the al
tar OF civilization have. the author
tells US, long since joined the choir
invisible of the immortal dead"
but they have left behind them a
heritage that has come down to US
through the centuries.
The chief character OF the story is
John Gray. the master in the little
log schoolhouse, and we have a
charming glimpse Of him; "a young
fellow OF powerful build, lean,
muscular. wearing simply but with
gentlemanly care a suit of black
which was relieved around his
wrists and neck by linen, snow
White and of the finest quality. He
had a handsome head covered with
thick red hair, we are told, and
was a man of such integrity as 10
render him q worthy descendant
from ore OF CromwelTs uncon-
querable. hymn-singing army"
We therefore are not surprised to
ind him holding himself alOof
from the follies OF the time, and
seeking out the comradeship of
those whom the finer and nObler
things OF life appeal Yet he is
very human creature of anger,
passion. and a multitude OF moods
Moreover II is quite consistent with
his character that he should fall in
love with woman who he ideal
ICES. Amy Falconer. who was per-
haps the first beautiful girl of aris-
tocratic birth ever seen in Ken
lucky. and the first OF the famous
train OF those who for a hundred
years since have wrecked or saved
the lives OF men" She is a CO.
quette. vain. shallow, and incap-
able 10 deep feeling. and she losses
Johns love aside in a moment of
pique for that OF Joseph Holden,
afterward. on discovering that there
is prospect of Johns inheriting
"a fortune and becoming "a person
or Importance. she shamelessly Of
fers 10 rid herself Of Joseph and re-
instate John in her graces.
John Gray however. is not 20 be
so lightly dropped and picked up
again. The episode proves 70 him
that his idol has feet OF clay and
with his faith in her shattered he
bids her farewell
Amy. in the meantime, has made
her home with her aunt and uncle,
Mai and Mrs Falconer. Mrs. Fall
cuner stands out against a back
ground OF high-born Virginian an
oestry-a background OF jewels.
bricades, fans. and satin slippers;
Of balls and minuets. Of wide
reaching plantations and slaves.
The major has been one of those
who had heroically fought in the
revolution. and 10 whom the south
ern beauty out OF patriotic graft
tude has given her hand. bravely
following him into the Kentucky
wilderness. Unfortunately, al
though neither OF the pair confess
il. the marriage has been an un-
corgenial one Both. however. are
too noble minded 10 do otherwise
than be true 20 the union that
holds them together. Yet there is
a scar OF disappointment beneath
the surface, and in the woman's
heart a WEAKNESS and longing that
-othing satisfies During John
Gray's visits 90 her niece Mrs Fal-
coner has become deeply interested
in the young schoolmaster who is
about her own age. and whose
tastes she shares. Between them a
com partnership has sprung up
which each honestly mistakes for
friendship.
Amy's attraction for the man has
been an untutored impulse Of the
senses. but Jessica FalcOner's pow
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