Compromises

le critics, who deem it necessary to offer reasons for what is not out of reason, to elucidate what can never be a mystery. Not very many years ago a contributor to the " Westminster Review " asserted seriously that " the greater affectionateness" of women enabled them to write stories, and that " the domestic experiences, which form the bulk of their knowledge, find an appropriate place in novels. The very nature of fiction calls for that predominance of sentiment which befits the feminine mind." It is not easy, however, to account for MissAusten and Miss Bronte, for George Eliot and George Sand, on the score of " affection- ateness " and domesticity. The quality of their work has won for them and for their successors the privilege of being judged by men's standards, and of being forever exempt from that fatal word, " considering." All that is left of the half-gallant, half-condescending tone with which critics indulgently praised " Evelina " is a well-defined and clearly expressed sentiment in favour of women's heroines, and a corresponding reluctance ? on the part of men at least ? to tolerate their heroes. Mr. Henley voiced the convictions of his sex when he declared his readiness to accept, " with the humility of ignorance, and something of the learner's gratitude," all of George Eliot's women, " from Romola down to Mrs. Pullet" (up to Mrs. Pullet, one would rather say), and his lively mistrust of the " governesses in revolt," whom it has pleased her to ca...