Page:Papers on Literature and Art (Fuller).djvu/365

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The little official is the type of timid, obsequious sextons, who hang upon the eyelids of the vestry and the clergyman, or any in authority. He always appears in character. and is sure of being laughed at. He bears about him with the best grace in the world the utmost extent of the ridiculous.

As a specimen of the dialogue, we give the first scene between the Deacon and Ambla, in which he seeks to entrap her.

This is compact and straightforward, nothing wanting, nothing superfluous. The American writer who can sustain five acts of a play at this standard is an acquisition!