The diamond drill., 1921-01-01
TN 1906 Margaret Deland, after hav.


ing written several other books,
n gave to the public the fruit Of her
maturer skill In ''rhe Awakening of
Helena Richie"
The story is simple.
Stripped OF the charm OF its setting,
and the subtle dellcacy OF its treat
ment, we have n tale presenting few
characters and with no very extended
scope for action.
The scene OF the novel is the same
small Pennsylvania town In which
Mrs. Deland has placed two previous
books: "Old Chester Tales" and
Doctor Lavendar." -~e,ls'sssas,-s's--~-
At the opening or the story Mrs.
Richie has come 10 Old Chester and
taken up residence In the stuffed
Animal House." SO called because It's
former owner was taxidermist. she
is little known 10 the villagers. living
an isolated existence. and stunning
any intimacy with the townsfolk new
ertheless she Is universally respected.
There is, 10 be sure, an atmosphere OF
mystery enshroudlng this beautiful
stranger who Is possessed OF culture
and polse that place her a stratum
above the simply bred Inhabitants or
the sleepy little settlement. but since
she goes TO church, is quiet and dec
orous. and gives herself no airs, she
furnishes no cause for criticism.
Her only visitor is Mr.. Lloyd Prior.
known 10 Old Chester as her brother.
As the story proceeds, however, we
are made aware that Prior is not her
brother. but is a Philadelphia Yidower
with one daughter whom he idolizes I;
and that ne and Mrs. Richie have for
thirteen years been living together
awaiting the death OF Frederic, Hell
cnas husband, whose demise viii
leave them free 10 marry. Frederic
has been dlssipated man who, when
not himself. has been responsible for
the death Of the Richie baby; and he
Is now living dissolute life in Paris.
Tie tragedy Of the baby's death has
been the eliminating factor in turning
his wlfe's hatred and contempt for
him into revulslon, and determining
her 10 desert him'and go TO Prior. To
her lover she gives all the affection
which the loss OF her child and the de-
struction Of her hopes have turned
back into her nature. .--sESss'
Prior, on the other hand, has loved
her IN the past, but now. after thir.
teen years Of deferred happiness. his
passion Is burned out He IS tired OF
her. Alice. hIs daughter. Is growing
up, and he realizes the indiscretion OF
the ENHANCEMENT furthermore his
business demands his time; II Is less
and less convenient 60 come TO Old
Chester; and he Is no longer young.
lie Is "A selfish. sensual being. with the
typical masculine distaste for every.
thing that renders him uncomfortable
either In mind or hody. While he Is
willing. IN nm indolent sort Of way 20
continue his relation with Mrs. Richie ::
* even honorable enough to marry her
II ne must. Il Is obvious that ne would
gladly be rid ~ the whole affair.
But 10 Helena Richie this incident
IS not nm affair" II is her llfe. She
loves Prior with n devotion engen-
dered by her lonely. heart-~arved ex-
istcnce, and she looks forward 10 the
moment when Frederic's death shall
release her from her present precari-
Gus position, and allow her 20 confront
the world with a clear name. That an
ultimate marriage between them viii
wipe out the blot on their past she
does not question. In the meantime
she can only possess her soul of pa
tience, and make the best Of her en-.
forced seclusion. No one knows her
secret No one can know II. There
fore she feels quite secure-that Is. ms
secure as Is possible In the face Of
the ever-preseut danger OF exposure.
Into this fevered life OF hers three
important characters project them.
selves: Doctor Layendar. the minis.
ter Of old Chester; Dr, William King,
The VILLAGE Fhvolcfan. AMI novfH an