222 



or Asa Trenchard appeared, as in fact when anyone ap- 
peared, they made the house resound with a hearty wel- 
come and most judicious approval. Upon the falling of 
the curtain the reaction behind it was wonderful—the play 
was a success, and Miss Keene added a new laurel to that 
already heavy wreath she had won as a good manager. 
Of her struggles and sufferings after she disappeared as 
anightly star before a metropolitan audience the public 
have no desire to know. Suffice it to say that a consump- 
tion, slow butsure, gradually crushed her body but never 
her undaunted spirit. Ill success brought her in debt to 
many people, and they ‘‘got satisfaction” by maligning her 
character and misrepresenting her motives. Strange as it 
may appear to the unthinking world, Laura Keene was by 
nature a woman made to shine in private life. Her affec- 
tions were paramount even over her ambition. In her last 
days she toiled, lest she might tax the competency she 
hoarded for the comfort of her two nieces. She was the 
most brilliant woman, in the height of her popularity, in 
New York, in dress, manner, and charms in parlor, and 
shone resplendently with the most polished social and 
literary society. 
To her few confidential friends she spoke of the stage 
with bitterness, as calculated to destroy all that quietness 
and peace of mind most essential to a woman’s happiness. 
Her last positive declaration was that if she could be re- 
stored to her youth and could live over again, she would 
never speak to the manager of a theatre or witness a play. 
Her towering ambition was the serpent that stung most 
severely. In her declining days she saw Sothern, Owens, 
Jefferson, and Booth, and others who were her proteges, vital 
with health and abundant in wealth and the world’s ap- 
plause, and she fretted and beat helpless against the bars of 
her imprisonment as a petted eagle deprived of the moun- 
tain eyrie and the sun in its zenith. 
She now sleeps quietly in the modest cemetery of Mont- 
clair. One of her last requests was that her funeral should 
be strictly private, and that no notice of her death should 
be given to the world until her body rested in the tomb. 
At the Broadway Theatre, on Monday evening, was pre- 
sented for the first time a play entitled “‘The New Magda- 
len.” We presume, from reading some of the recently 
produced comments of the press, upon the intimate con- 
nection of female degradation and hard times, that this 
“New Magdalen” is the legitimate fruit of the prevailing 
panic. At any rate, we have Wilkie Collins’ certificate 
that this “perfumed violet” is a genuine, and not a 
spurious article. Though re‘ined gentlemen among them- 
selves would, as a rule, refuse to discuss the character of 
the plot, for want of decent words to give a clear descrip- 
tion, yet it is put upon the stage, and we can only find ex- 
cuse for the women who witness it on the ground that they 
are no philosophers. Miss Leclercq, when we entered the 
play-house, was sitting on a sofa, dressed splendidly, giving 
acharm to a parlor set off with the richest furniture, the 
walls of which were richly frescoed, while the conservatory 
in the rear witchingly displayed its floral charms through 
the crystal glass. At her side stood her affianced husband, 
leaning over her with a degree of ‘‘spoon” that was dra- 
matically effective and complimentary to hercharms. The 
enraptured and successful lover was urging an early day 
for the prospective nuptials. With all these pleasant sur- 
roundings Miss Leclereq was not happy. She looked vir- 
tuous, innocent, and most loveable, and the audience 
heartily sympathized with the prospect that she had of set- 
tling down in the domestic circle, with a fair chance of 
being overloaded with olive branches; yet for all this and 
these things, she kept continually turning away from the 
earnest love expressions of her future husband, and inform- 
ing the audience, in sotto voce, that she was a 
miserable, unprincipled outcast—an old Magdalen, 
who had been ruined by want of early ed- 
ucation, poverty and temptation, frequently calling 
herself hard names, such names, indeed, as the veriest drab 
that staggers bawling at midnight through our slums will, if 
applied to her, resent with becoming indignation. 
The high moral finale of the piece was simply brutal in 
her vinegary maidenhood, and probably no dramatist ever 
succeeded more effectively in making virtue despicable 
when brought in contact with gilded vice. 
The leading commedian is a radical minister. When the 
affianced husband of the piece has had the “early history” 
of his future wife told him several hundred times, more or 
less, and still unbelieving, has a hole made in his head with 
an augur, through which is shoved a written affidavit that 
his sweetheart is a wanton of the worst kind, then he gives 
it up, and slapping his blonde wig over the top where his 
forehead ought to be, disappears. 
Miss Leclereq—we beg pardon, we mean Mercy Merrick— 
having been abandoned by Horace Homecroft, she turns to 
the radical minister, and as if never tired of speaking of 
her early shameful life—while the audience and no one on 
the stage has éven thrown it in her face—she commences 
again reviewing her shameles conduct, and seems to be 
desirous of making an impression on his pure mind by de- 
grading herself to the lowest pit of infamy. The radical 
minister drinks in the impure words and dwells with seem- 
ing delight upon the pictures of revolting vice that are sug- 
gested to his imagination; at last overcome with radical 
clerical enthusiasm, he seizes the interesting heroine rap- 
turously in his arms, presses her form to his precious per- 
son, and after the manner of Stiggins, announces, with a 
defiant voice, that her early education and trials implies 
that her subsequent systematic fraud have jointly and sev- 
erally prepared her for a minister’s wife, and at last the 
“New Magdalen” announces that she is happy. 
FOREST AND STREAM. — 
Such is the dainty dish set before a New York audience 
by Wilkie Collins. 
On Monday the favorite comedy of ‘‘Ours” was returned 
to Wallack’s. There is so much in the play in the way of 
pleasant scenic effects, the completeness of the plot, and 
unexceptionable dialogue, that it seems never to tire a re- 
fined and appreciative audience. 
At Booth’s, the romantic drama of ‘‘Richelieu.” Asis 
too often the case at this theatre, one excellent actor is sur- 
rounded by indifferent players; the consequence is that 
much is seen. that is incomplete and unsatisfactory. 
At the Union Square the ‘‘Geneva Cross” is still in the 
ascendancy. The managers announce that on the 17th 
inst. it will give way to ‘The Wicked World,” in which 
Miss Clara Morris will appear, : 
On the evening of the 21st instant the testimonial of Mr. 
William N. Griffith, commemorative of his entering upon 
the professional stage, will be given at the Academy in 
Brooklyn, This will be a fine performance. In addition 
to some of the best known and most popular amateurs, 
Messrs. E. Lamb, Owen Marlowe, Mrs. Fanny Foster, and 
Mrs. Charles Gaylor will appear in the dramas. Mr. J. N. 
Patterson, the pianist, and Mr. John Clark, the basso, will 
appear between the plays. ‘Ruy Blas” and a farce will be 
on the bill. 
The new Park Theatre, of Brooklyn, maintains its un- 
rivalled popularity; it is one of our best theatres for unex- 
ceptionable family entertainments. 
po 
Cincinnati, November 7, 1873. 
PIKE’S OPERA HOUSE. 
We have been enjoying a treat this week in the shape of 
the Kellogg Opera Company. During the week they haye 
sung ‘‘Lucia de Lammermoor,” ‘‘Martha,” and ‘‘Faust.” 
Saturday afternoon, “Bohemian Girl:” in the evening, 
“Fra Diavolo.” 

WOOD’S THEATRE. 
At this place the Maffit and Bartholomew Pantomime 
Troupe have appeared in ‘Flick and Flock.” Business 
fair. November 10th—Lawrence Barrett. 
ROBINSON’S OPERA HOUSE. 
Miss Kate Putnam has been drawing not over large audi- 
ences in her plays of ‘‘Little Nell,” ‘“Fanchon,” and “Blade 
0 Grass.” Her ‘Little Nell” is poor compared to Lotta’s. 
November 10th—Lydia Thompson Burlesque Troupe. 
W. L.& 


Blew Publications. 
pee ee 
[Publications sent to this office, treating upon subjects that come within 
the scope of the paper, will receive special attention. The receipt of all 
books delivered at our Editorial Rooms will be promptly acknowledged 
in the next issue. Publishers will confer a favor by promptly advisina 
us of any omission in this resnect. Prices of books inserted when 
desired. | 
TrurrLe Nepnews. A Collection of Stories; From the 
pen of Rev. P. Power: N, Y,: Robert Carter & Bros. 
This is one of those attractive books that one reads through for pleasant 
style and its good, round letter press. These stories, aside from their 
attractiveness as well written tales of everyday life, exhibit important 
and truthful practical lessons for the eucouragement and direction of all 
who would live in this world not an idle life. The nobler impulses of 
the good are strengthened: The evil disposed and selfish are kindly 
warned to let the past suffice, to turn over a ‘new leaf” in the journal of 
life; in short, to reform their lives, From ‘‘We” versus ‘‘T -"’ we give the 
following extract by way of illustration: 
“Neighbor Solus,” said the Quaker, “betwixt thy name and ours there 
are but two letters difference; thou art called ‘Solus and we are ‘Silas;’ 
and in two letters lieth the secret of our success over thine. Thon stand- 
est alone, though thou hast a wife. Solus is the Latin for ‘alone;’ and 
as is thy name so is thy nature; with thee itis always ‘I;’ with us it is 
always ‘We.’ Thou and thy wife do not everything together as ye should; 
thou pullest one way at times, and she another; and as ye are yoked to 
the same pole the coach under such circumstances cannot go on. Thou 
art a drag on her, and she is a drag on thee; and dragging and drawing 
two different things.” 
LirtLE Kaven: By Madame Sophie Schwartz. From the 
original MSS. by Selina Borg and Maria A. Brown: Hartford, Con- 
necticut. Published by R. W. Bliss. 
There is nothing wearisome, dull or monotonous in 
but a lively, healthy, sparkling story, told in a pleasant mood. In fact, 
we never find any of the productions from the pen of this ready writer 
other than improving. Her most trivial utterances have a meaning; al 
her sentences even have a mission. Some have charged her with a ““mas- 
culinity”’ of style, somewhat too intense. We differ from them; Ma- 
dame Schwartz never allows her fine imagination to lead her into foolish 
sentimentalism. She has no tears to shed over imaginary objects such as 
are often found in fashionable novels. We love that true boldness that 
clearly defines the reigning thought of the mind; that independence 
which dares assert a great moral truth, so well dilineated in the character 
of “‘Kayen,” the noble-hearted, impulsive and generous maiden. This 
character is truthful, strongly portrayed, and is as truly a delineation of 
real life as is her sister Lisbeth, with all her good qualities, and a pardon- 
able share of vanity and self-love, 
“Little Kaven,” 
PoruLar Scrence Monruty, for November. 
D. Appleton & Co. 
The first paper is a strongly written, concise article upon what may 
well constitute the requirements of a liberal education. Professor Atkin- 
son covers the whole ground in a most admirable manner. That he is in 
real downright earnest, every attentive reader (and may there be many) 
will at once admit. The Professor says in his opening Sentence: “The 
collapse of the classical system of liberal education which has held almost 
undisputed sway since the ‘revival of learning in the sixteenth century. 
and the now generally recognized insufficiency of the theory which makes 
the study of the languages of Greece and Rome the sole foundation of 
the higher education, are leading, as all familiar with the educational 
systems of the present day are aware, to the greatest variety of specula- 
tions as to the system which is destined to succeed it.” 
of this subject comes in just the right time—the great question of somuch 
interest to the future welfare of 
New York: 
and the whole people are thinking, as they should do, upon 
system as applied to the schools 
of the American Republic. 
A Srmp.eton, A Story of the day: By Charles Reade. 
New York: Harper & Bro. é 
Mr. Read, in this work, has taken up the pen to redress minor wrongs, 
or to expose minor evils. We notice none of the sturdy blows usually 
aimed at, wrong doing in his principal characters. Why is this? Hae the 
the educational 
/ 





























world grown more yvirtuons, and is there a less need of rebuke? He dis- 
courses tritely upon the mysteries of the toilet, and gives us the manner 
in which many young and interesting ladies are “made up,” and 
its effects npon health. He says; “‘A woman with her stays bisecting 
her almost, and lacerating her skin, can yet for one moment make her- 
self seem slack to deceive a juvenile physician.” We think the physician 
who would thus be deceived must be very juvenile. 
The mysteries and trickeries of London auction sales, house agents, 
and the like, are made very plain to us poor unenlightened readers; and 
even the petty peccadilloes of the discharged house maid, made qnite 
spicy in itself. This may be necessary to the development of the story, 
but truly we can see little good resulting from a history, composition 
and use of London poisons, even if they are used three times a day in 
the form of strong tea by “aristocratic English ladies.’ Many other 
abuses are spoken of, which are truly abuses, and would be better 
abandoned than continued. Every one knew before Mr. Reade told us 
that “invisible perspiration is a process of nature necessary to healthand | 
life.” 
Mr. Reade wil pardon us if we disagree with him in the use of sundry 
expressions found in his book, indicating a lack of carefully chosen 
words. We notice in describing the mispronunciation of Lady Cicely, 
he says; ‘‘As for the letter ‘r’ she could say it if she made a hearty effort, 
but was generally too lazy to throw her leg over it.” Then he tells us 
when she walked, “‘her elastic foot slapped the pavement as she spanked 
along.’ These, though minor faults, which may be tolerated in a popu- 
lar author, are nevertheless sins against good taste. Lady Frehem is the 
best character of the work, the most skillfnlly sketebed, but a peculiar 
compound of diverse elements. 
While this novel would be pronounced by many as very readable and 
pleasant, we think it aoes not do the author credit, for he has given us 
many better stories, and therefore we look for a better book than this 
from Charles Reade. 
In our last week’s review of books, the names of Messrs. Wilbur & 
Hastings, No. 40 Fulton street, New York, were omitted, as having for 
sale the three following books: “The Buyers’ Guide of the Manufactur- 
ing Towns and Manufacturers of Great Britain;” ‘‘A complete Guide to 
the Leading Hotels, Places of Amusement, Objects of Interest, Parks, 
Clubs, Markets, Docks, &c., of London,” and ‘The Hotels of Europe.’’ 
_ a 1 
MAGAZINES. 
—_4—____. 
We are in receipt of ‘The Rural Carolinian,’’ for November. It is an 
excellent periodical, containing an unusual amount of practical reading 
matter for agriculturists and the home circle, The Rural Carolinian has 
just commenced a new yolume, the November number being the second 
issue of the fifth yolume. The publishers are Walker, Eyans, & Cogs - 
well, Charleston, 8. C. Subscription price to the Magazine, $2 per an. 
num, with liberal club rates. 




































——-0- 
IN PRESS. 
pi wh We TES 
Randolph & Co, have in press, and will soon issue, a new volume on 
Continental Travel, by Dr. S. I Prime, under the attractive title of “The 
Alhambra and the Kremlin; “The South and North of Europe.” Also, 
“Literary Life;” by Francis Jacox, : 
The above works will contain much yeluable information upon litera- 
ture and literary matters never before placed before the public. 
a = —<- 0-4 
ANNOUNCEMENTS. 
—_——_4—____ 
GEOLOGICAL Storrs; In form of a pleasant autobiography. 
Story of a ‘Piece of Granite; Story of a ‘Piece of Quartz."’ New 
York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. 
FouRTEEN WEEKS IN CuEemistry: By J. Dorman Steele, 
New York: A. 8. Barnes & Go. 
AGAINST THE STREAM. By the author of the “‘Schonberg- 
Cotta Family.** New York: Dodd & Mead. 
Hester Moruey’s Promisk. By Hesba Streton, author of 
the ‘‘Dr.’s Dilemma: &c. New York: Dodd & Mead. 
Crookep Piaces; A Story of Struggles and Hopes. By 
Edward Garnett,‘author of “Occupations of a Retired Life.”” New York: 
Dodd & Mead. 
Tue DEAD Sea: And Other Stories. 
New York: Dodd & Mead. 
THe Cross oF Berny; Or Irene’s Lovers. By Madame 
= Emile de Girardin, M. M. Theopile Gautier, Jules Landeau, and Mere. 
Philadelphia: Porter & Coates. 
Wuat Sar Can Do; A Romance from the pen of Rev'd 
E. P. Roe, author of ‘‘Barriers Burned Away,” &c. New York: Dodd 
& Mead. b 
LEAVES FROM THE TREE OF Lire. By Rey. Richard New- 
ton, D. D. New York: Robert Carter & Bro, 
Nrw Ma@pauen. By Wilkie Collins, 
with illustrations by C, 8. Reinhardt. 
Miss Dorotuy’s CHAarGcE; A Novel. By Frank Lee Bene- 
dict. 8vo., 195 pages. New York: Harper & Bros, 
By anv By; A Historical Romanee of the Future. By Ea- 
ward Maitland. 12mo., 460 pages. New York: G, P. Putnam’s Sons. 
Tork Dead Marquise. By Leonard Kip. 12mo., 356- 
pages. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. 
BELLEHOOD AND Bonpace. By Mrs. Ann §, 
12mo., 458 pages. Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson & Bros. 
Mrr1am Montrort, By the author of the ‘The House- 
hold of Bouverie.”’ 12mo., 556 pages, New York: D. Appleton & Co. 
THE CHARACTER oF Sr. Paut. By J. 8. Howson, D. D. 
12mo., 314 pages. New York: Dodd & Mead. 
His Marr1aGe Vow. By Mrs. Caroline F. Corbin. Bos- 
ton: Lee & Shepard. 
Fun anD Work. By the author of 
brary.”” 178 pages. 
THe Sitver Keys: A Tale. 
New York: Robert Carter & Bros. 
Ovt oF SwEET SonrrupE. By Elenor C. Donn elly, Phila- 
delphia; J. P. Lippincott & Co. 
Wurre Rosk AND Rep; A Love Story. By the author of 
“St. Abe.” Boston: James R. Osgood & Co. 249 pages. 
THE PorticaL Works of EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN. 
Complete and splendid edition. Boston: James R. Osgood & Co. 342 
pages. Price $2,50. 
Lost Gip. By the author of ‘‘Jessica’s Prayer,” etc. New 
York: Dodd & Mead. 
THE Rose oF Disentis, By Heinrich Zschokke. Translated 
from the German by James I. D. Trenor. New York: Sheldon & Co, 
1873. 
Miss Forester. A novel. By Mrs. Edwards. New York: 
Sheldon & Co. 1873, 
—_—__ 
. erties 
The long evenings are now coming, and the children should have 
ood games to help pass them pleasantly, Avilude, with its birds and 
tacky descriptions, is the best ever published. Sold by all booksellers and 
toy dealers, or sent post paid, ou receipt of seyenty- 
aA Worcester, Mass. , P nty-five conta, by West & 
“From its meritous character deserves the widest circulation,""—Ran. 




















By Edward Garrett. 












Library Edition, 



Stephens. 
“Little Kitty’s Li- 
By A. L. O. E. 264 pages. 












ner of Light, 
+ 
—~ 

