The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1920-07-03
NEW writer's of American fiction

THEW writer's of American fiction
II are better qualified to present
u the early history of Kentucky
than is James Lane Allen, himself
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 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 to the homes
from which they lad 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; 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 a charming
glimpse Of him: "a young fellow OF
| powerful build. lean, muscular. wear
ing simply but with gentlemanly care
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 Will
| thick red hair. we are told, and wa:
a man Of such integrity as to rende
him a worthy descendant "fronl on'
of Cromwell's unconquerable, hymn
singing army"
We therefore are not surprised t.
find him holding himself aloof from
the follies Of the time. and seeking GU
the comradeship of those to whom tn
finer and nobler things Of life appeal
Yet he is very human-a creature o
anger, passion, and multitude Q
moods. Moreover it is quite consisten
with his character that he should fal
in love with a woman whom n
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
those who for q hundred years sine
have wrecked or saved the lives
Imen." She is coquette, vain, sha
how, and incapable of deep feeling, an
Aisshe losses Johns love aside in a me
ment of pique for that of JOSEF
Holden; afterward, on discovering tina
there is a prospect Of Johns inheritin
| a fortune and becoming a person Q
Importance, she shamelessly offers I
rid herself Of Joseph and reinstat
John in her graceS.
John Gray. however is not to b
SO lightly dropped and picked up agar
The episode proves to him that n
idol has feet Of clay, and with nj
faith in her shattered he bids her fart
well.
Amy, in the meantime, has mace ne
home with her aunt and uncle. MAYO
and Mrs. Falconer. Mrs. Falcone