The Fayette falcon. (Somerville, Tenn.) 190?-current, 1920-06-04

NEW writer's of American fiction
n are better qualified to present
the early history of 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 pc
Rod during Washington's administra-
ton when the Mississippi was just
being opened for navigation, and great
tides of pioneers were migrating
through the Allegheny highway to set
tie the sparsely populated regions of
the West and South.
Lexington, Kentucky, CHANGING to be
directly In the path of one tributary
Of this current, received not only many
} OF those who were abandoning the
cities of the coast for the untried ter
ritory Of 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 to the homes
from which they Rad come.
Hence in Lexington one encountered
persons Of every class.
It was a heterogeneous populace
high Of courage and strong Of forti'
tude, that amid clearing In forest and
cane-brake laid the foundation Of this
fine old Southern city; populace not
to be daunted by discomfort, privation
or unceasing toll.
The heroes and herolnes who thus
sacrificed their lives on the altar OF
civilization have, the author tells us
long since Joined "the choir invisible
Of the immortal Dead" but they have
left behind them 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 charming
glimpse Of him: "a young fellow OF
powerful build, lean, muscular, wear
ing simply but with gentlemanly care
a suit Of black which was relieved
around his wrists and neck by linen
snow-whlte 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 to render
him worthy descendant 'from one
OF CromweIl's unconquerable, hymn
singing army"
We therefore are not surprised tC
find him holding himself aloof from
the follies Of the time, and seeking oui
the comradeship of those to whom the
finer and nobler things of life appeal
Yet ne is very human creature Of
anger. passion. and multitude OF
moods. Moreover IL Is quite consistent
with his character that. he should fal
in love with a woman whom hs
idealizes. Amy Falconer, who "wa'
perhaps the first beautiful girl of arts
tocratic birth ever seen in Kentucky
and the first Of the famous train OF
those who for hundred years sinc'
have wrecked or saved the lives Of
men, She is a coquette. vain. shall
low. and incapable of deep feeling, and
she tosses Johns love aside In a mo
ment Of rique for that Of JOSEPH
Holden: afterward. on discovering tina
there is a prospect Of Johns inheritinl
a fortune and becoming a person o.
Importance, she shamelessly offers Il
rid herself Of Joseph and reinstat'
John In her graces.
John Gray. however, Is not to b
50 lightly dropped and picked up again
The episode proves to him that hi
idol has feet Of clay. and with bill
faith In her shattered he bids her fare
wen.
Amy, In the meantime. has made be
home with her aunt and uncle. MAO
and Mrs. Falconer. Mrs Falcone