of the envious admiration of his fellow townsmen.

From the pedagogic point of view, I have no doubt that _Jacob_
would be classed as an immoral book. But the question of its
morality is of less consequence than the question as to its truth.
The most modern literature, which is interpenetrated with the
spirit of the age, has a way of asking dangerous questions--
questions before which the reader, when he perceives their full
scope, stands aghast. Our old idyllic faith in the goodness and
wisdom of all mundane arrangements has undoubtedly received a shock
from which it will never recover. Our attitude towards the universe
is changing with the change of its attitude towards us. What the
thinking part of humanity is now largely engaged in doing is to
readjust itself towards the world and the world towards it. Success
is but a complete adaptation to environment; and success is the
supreme aim of the modern man. The authors who, by their fearless
thinking and speaking, help us towards this readjustment should, in
my opinion, whether we choose to accept their conclusions or not,
be hailed as benefactors. It is in the ranks of these that
Alexander Kielland has taken his place, and now occupies a
conspicuous position.

HJALMAR HJORTH BOYESEN.
NEW YORK, May 15, 1891.



PHARAOH.

She had mounted the shining marble steps with without mishap,