There is little need of considering "Le Misanthrope", which was performed by Mile. Sorel and her associates as the third bill of their repertory this week at any length as a play, for doubtless every reader will recall from the hours of school or college courses this the wittiest of all Moliere's dramatic work. For those who have forgotten, a glance at any of its editions in one of the "modern language" series will recall its brilliant satiric arraignment of the foibles of society, its unusual insight into the souls of men and women, and its succession of significantly human scenes.

To the role of Celimene, Mlle. Sorel brought her reputation, her usual studied technique, and her scintillating costumes, but she brought, no feeling of definite characterization, no gripping conviction of flesh and blood and human sensibilities. To one who had seen her in the two previous productions, she was again Mlle. Sorel, the Doucet-costumed, the brilliant technician, the vivid personality, yea, even "the magnificent", but not the sincere worker in the art of portraying character. One begins to suspect, in fact, that Mademoiselle has a very clever press agent.

M. Lambert did not grasp all the possibilities that the almost Shavian character of Alceste offers,--playing it throughout in a cold, grave key, approaching monotony; but his rich voice, expressive gestures, and finished diction go far to make up any deficiency. M. Ravet created, with delicate strokes of characterization, a very true Oronte. M. Gerval and M. Stern maintained the Moliere tradition of overplaying the society gallants. The well-known letter scene of the last act, in which they play such a prominent part, was, however, most disappointing in its careless, hurried, unthinking development. Mlle. Berendt, Mme. Marsans, and M. Sellier all gave very real and thoughtful characterizations,--the most convincing of all the company.

Some of the costumes, while often effective individually were quite inharmonious when brought into juxtaposition, though it is possible that reasonable and artistic lighting would have softened their disquieting effect. The play was set somewhat more than tolerably. The company will play without Mlle. Sorel this afternoon in Lavedan's interesting drama, "Le Duel", and close 'its Boston engagement with its third performance of "La Dame Aux Camelias" by Dumasfils, in which Mlle. Sorel is seen as Marguerite Gautier, this evening.