Palisadian., 1920-06-05

NEW writer's of American fiction
are better qualified to present
N the early history of Kentucky
than Is James Lane Allen, himself u
native of the Blue Grass State.
He chose as his setting for 'The
Choir Invisible" that picturesque pc
riod 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 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 hroken-hearted to the homes
from which they had come.
Hence in Lexington one encountered
persons of every class.
1t was heterogeneous populpce.
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; a populace not
to be daunted by discomfort, privation.
or unceasing toll.
The heroes and heroines 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 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 charming
glimpse of him: "a young fellow of
powerful build, lean. muscular. wear
ing simply but with gentlemanly care
n 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
man of such integrity as to render
him worthy descendant "from one
Of Cromwell's unconquerable, hymn
singing army"
We therefore are not surprised to
find him holding himself aloof from
the follies of the time, and seeking out
the comradeship of those to whom the
finer and nobler things of life appeal.
Yet he is very human-a creature of
anger, passion, and a multitude of
moods. Moreover it is quite consistent
with his character that he should fall
in love with woman whom he
idealizes, Amy FalcoEer, who "was
perhaps the first beautiful girl of aris-
tocratic birth ever seen in Kentucky.
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 coquette, vain, shall
'ow. and incapable Of deep feeling. and
she tosses Johns love aside in mo-
ment Of pique for that of Joseph
Holden; afterwarG, on discovering that
there is prospect Of Johns inheriting
n fortune and becoming person of
Importance. she shamelessly offers to
rid herself Of Joseph and reinstate
.Iohn in her graces.
John Gray. however. is not to be
o lightly dropped and picked up again.
Fhe episode proves to him that HIS
dol has feet of clay. and with his
aith in her shattered he bids her fare
veil
Amy. in the meantime, has made her
omv with her aunt and uncle. Major
nj Mrs. Falconer. Mrs. Faiconer