IX—RECENT BOOKS
A group of three or at the most four books are quite enough for a miscellaneous program for one afternoon. They may be selected on one general theme, such as biography, or on several. The first book suggested here is a delightful life study, that of Robert E. Lee, Man and Soldier, by Thomas Nelson Page. Notice the clearness and beauty of the style, the appreciation of the man's character and work, and the well chosen descriptions of his associates. Read part of a chapter near the close of the book.
Second, have a paper on The Promised Land, by Mary Antin, one of the really great books of to-day. Tell the story of her life, reading here and there from her own words; show how she was handicapped and yet how she rose, and speak of the fact that such women bring inspiration to our shores.
Third, take The Three Brontës, by May Sinclair, a book of fascinating interest. Briefly give a résumé of the family, and speak of the work of each sister; compare with Clement Shorter's The Brontës and Their Circle.
Or, for a program on several topics, have these three books for the papers: first, The Lady of the Decoration, by Frances Little. Give a review, with its story, the local color, the humor and pathos; read short selections.
Second, take Heretics, by Chesterton; here again, review his style, his mannerisms, and note his light touch; read briefly from two essays.
Third, take a collection of short stories, perhaps Jacobs' Dialstone Lane. Speak of his quaint dry humor, his sense of the incongruous, the similarity of his captain-heroes, and the absurdity of his plots. Read one story.
X—MARKETS
For a last program take the subject of Markets. If possible, illustrate some of these foreign markets mentioned, the pictures to be found in magazines.
Flower markets will make a first paper; notice those of Paris especially, near the Madelaine; of Covent Garden, London. Note the smaller flower markets in connection with the ordinary markets of cities.