The inconsistency of the situation is the only inconsistency of the book. The characters are convincing and stand out in flesh and blood.
The palest of these is Lillian, Lady Astrupp, but the paleness is not one of portrayal. It is the paleness of individuality shown in terms to suit the character, just as Fraide’s power and ruggedness is shown in blunt, abrupt allusions and dismissals.
For Chilcote there is only sympathy that deepens into pity mixed with disgust, the sympathy and pity begotten by the spectacle of a man under the power of a habit that has come to be his master.
There is resentment towards Loder for assuming another man’s name rather than for doing another man’s work, which was his only opportunity. To create is to prove one’s kinship to God, and the instinctive feeling is that no strong man would create for another man’s credit. Respect for Loder would have been aroused had he finally made public the masquerade, at all costs; but had he done this the climax of the situation would have been ruined.
Neither is Eve’s attitude in the climax inconsistent. Pride is the dominating characteristic of this woman, who excites admiration in every situation where circumstances place her. If it governed her through years of unhappiness it would be inconsistent to expect her to yield it and happiness together for a convention, though it were the divinest convention of life.
James Hunt Cook.
GOV. BOB TAYLOR
Who has long been identified with the platform of the South and whose tours have recently been extended throughout the United States.
Governor Taylor’s new lecture for the coming season will be “The Funny Side of Politics.”
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES