Harlequin and Columbine. By Booth Tarkington. (Heino- mann 5s.) This
jeu d'esprit is most charming. Only the experienced artist can be successful in such work, and the author has that experience. There is not a heavy or false note in the little fantasia, prelude, etude—call it what you will. The theme is carefully chosen to heighten the charm. We have the (Continued on page 892.) young dramatist, with his first play accepted ; the star actor ; the ingenue understudy, modest as a farthing dip, who yet subdues the star ; and the obsequious and terrorized stage manager. The despair of the author at seeing his own light absorbed into that of the star is mitigated when the young understudy beams on him. There is a comical crisis when the equally infatuated star discovers that she is the bride of his manager. But his wounded vanity is appeased, the ingenue is re-engaged, and the young dramatist's first play is saved.
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