Deserving much more than merely passing notice is "Erstwhile Susan," for it comes not only with New York's stamp of approval, but pervaded with the charm and genius of Mrs. Fiske. It has been said that no part wholly deserving of her talents could be written by any save Mrs. Fiske herself, but here in Miss Juliet Miller, elocutionist, is a character--unique, vigorous and unfaded, and one that gives splendid opportunity for the star's delicate and whimsical touch.

Briefly the comedy shows the effect upon the varied persons of Reinhartz, Pa., of the coming of the superficially absurd, yet clear seeing, deep feeling Susan. She marries Dreary, the swinish skinflint, to help the much-set-upon daughter, Barnabetta. Dreary kindly dies between the acts--having become an insurmountable obstacle in the pursuit of happiness--the step-mother reforms her eccentricities, the daughter casts aside her drudge's guise and blossoms as an Emerson-reading flower of Boston schooling, and in the thrill of the Governor's presence and a lover's kiss the play ends.

Miss Delmar an excellent as Barnabetta--winning, true and never over-drawn either in her happiness or earlier "dumb- ness." Mr. Wilson's Barnaby has not the sureness of Mr. Cope's of last year. In many moments he strikes an almost burlesque note. Every one of the other characters--except perhaps the city people (from Reinhartz's social Eutopia, Reading)--is strikingly individualized by author and actor. Mrs. Fiske's sureness and beauty of voice and diction alone are a rare treat, set in the fresh surroundings of the old Dutch community and in a stage setting in every way satisfying.  J.W.D SEYMOUR '17