The boundary line between farce and comedy is wavering and vague; otherwise Mr. Harcourt's latest play could never be labelled as it is--a comedy, for this bit of drollery lies in that no-man's land between the two,--invading now the territory of comedy, again the realm of farce.

Likewise the acting varies, but Miss Tempest raises each of her scenes to sparkling high-comedy, strengthening every moment her position as one of our chiefest comediennes. "A Lady's Name" is hardly valuable for its story. In an effort to obtain "copy" for her novels although possessing a surly finance, advertises for a husband. Her most promising material appears in a sleek, oily gentleman's gentleman. So pleased is she with his novelizing possibilities that she invites herself to tea at his place of service. A bored gentleman, who comes in fun and stays at the lady's feet in earnest, turns out to be the butler's master. The complications arise over this visit to the gentleman's kitchen. Ultimately the fiance proves to be a bounder the butler is turned out and the novelist turns from fiction to romance and the butler's master.

The play is very thin, relying for its success on clever lines, some rather hasty characterization, a supply of aged "laugh-getters" in business, and the adept handling of a well-schooled cast. Miss Tempest's delightful sense of humor, and unfailing ability to squeeze every drop of comedy out of a situation or line livens much that would be otherwise drearily dull. Mr. Browne is a sincere, politely humorous hero, and unheard of as it is for a stage hero--seems entirely a gentleman. The life below-stairs is well drawn and most capably acted. Miss de Becker, as the slavey, has a most unusual and agreeable comedy personality. Her work is careful, natural and is, moreover, never in bad taste, though it realizes each opportunity for laughter. The butler is over-stressed at times, and his make-up shrieks of burlesque. The others of the cast serve admirably to fill in and round out the evening's entertainment.

But for the assistance of Miss Tempest and her company, Mr. Harcourt's play would go limping very sadly on its way. Played as it so ably is in delicious light-comedy vein, it is a very politely enjoyable performance--and for this enjoyment Miss Tempest deserves all credit.