subordinate to the figures, or, like Claude, the figures subordinate to
the landscape; for if we desire realistic acting we cannot have realistic
scene-painting.

I need not describe, however, how the beauty of Hester Grazebrook
survived the crude roses and the mauve tablecloth triumphantly. That it
is a beauty that will be appreciated to the full in America I do not
doubt for a moment, for it is only countries which possess great beauty
that can appreciate beauty at all. It may also influence the art of
America as it has influenced the art of England, for of the rare Greek
type it is the most absolutely perfect example.

The Philistine may, of course, object that to be absolutely perfect is
impossible. Well, that is so: but then it is only the impossible things
that are worth doing nowadays!




WOMAN'S DRESS


(Pall Mall Gazette, October 14, 1884.)

Mr. Oscar Wilde, who asks us to permit him 'that most charming of all
pleasures, the pleasure of answering one's critics,' sends us the
following remarks:--

The 'Girl Graduate' must of course have precedence, not merely for her
sex but for her sanity: her letter is extremely sensible. She makes two