Page:Men of Letters, Scott, 1916.djvu/136

110 110 HENRY JAMES tify the most generous illusions. Nay — they become something even more exhilarating. For since, of all the novels written in our tongue and day, none carries the same sense of reality, may we not say they also prove the truth of the faith they express, and visibly demonstrate life's right to this confidence? It is rather a tremendous thing, surely. The work of our greatest effective realist was achieved under the influence and glow of romance. It is a crushing answer to cynicism, pessimism, prudence ; it proves the Fates to be sisters of joy. Just because he has approached life almost worshipfuUy, he has been admitted to its secrets ; he has proved the accuracy of extravagance and the wisdom of simplicity, the common sense of chivalry and faith. Urbane as this book is, it is boundlessly trustful — it stakes its all on the pride of human nature. Its author has entered into understanding of that particular kingdom of heaven we call the earth simply because his heart has remained as confiding as a child's. Manchester Guardian, 1914.