Part 41 (1/2)

In his informing and stimulating collection of essays, ”On Contemporary Literature,” recently published, Mr. Stuart P. Sherman squanders an entire chapter on Theodore Dreiser. It seems to us that he might have covered the ground and saved most of his s.p.a.ce by quoting a single sentence from Anatole France, who, referring to Zola, wrote: ”He has no taste, and I have come to believe that want of taste is that mysterious sin of which the Scripture speaks, the greatest of sins, the only one which will not be forgiven.”

”What is art?” asked jesting Pilate. And before he could beat it for his chariot someone answered: ”Art is a pitcher that you can't pour anything out of.”

It is much easier to die than it is to take a vacation. A man who is summoned to his last long voyage may set his house in order in an hour: a few words, written or dictated, will dispose of his possessions, and his heirs will gladly attend to the details. This done, he may fold his hands on his chest and depart this vexatious life in peace.

It is quite another matter to prepare for a few weeks away from town.

There are bills to be paid; the iceman and the milkman and the laundryman must be choked off, and the daily paper restrained from littering the doorstep. There is hair to be cut, and teeth to be tinkered, and so on. In short, it takes days to stop the machinery of living for a fortnight, and days to start it going again. But, my dear, one must have a change.

JUST A REHEARSAL.

[From the Elgin News.]

Mr. and Mrs. Perce left immediately on a short honeymoon trip. The ”real” honeymoon trip is soon to be made, into various parts of Virginia.

LAME IN BOTH REGISTERS?

[From the Decatur Review.]

Dr. O. E. Williams, who is conducting revival services in the First United Brethren church, spoke to a large audience on Friday night on ”Lame in Both Feet.” Mrs. Williams sang a solo in keeping with the sermon.

FLORAL POME.

(_Sign on Ashland Ave.: ”Vlk the Florist.”_)

For flowers fragrant, sweet as milk, Be sure to call on Florist Vlk.

Roses, lilies, for the folks Can be purchased down at Vlk's.

Of bouquets there is no lack At the flower shop of Vlk.

Orchids, pansies, daisies, phlox, All are sold at Florist Vlk's.

A wondrous place, a shop de luxe Is this here store of William Vlk's.

F. E. C. Jr.