dea
that the small-waisted dress is harmful to the wearer. Women breathe
with their lungs, and do not enlist the co-operation of the
diaphragm, as men do. So, therefore, it matters not how tight a
woman laces her waist so long as she insists that her gown be made
ample about the bust; nay, the fair author maintains that the singer
has a better command of her powers, and is more capable of sustained
exertion, when her waist is girt and cinched to the very limit. Of
course, knowing nothing whatsoever of this thing, we are wholly
incompetent to discuss the subject. It interests us to know that
Miss Abbott's theory is indorsed by Worth, Madame Demorest, Dr.
Hamilton, and other recognized authorities.

Of her married life the famous prima donna speaks tenderly and at
length; she is evidently of a domestic nature; she says she pines
for the day when she can retire to a quiet little home, and devote
herself to children and to household duties. An affectionate tribute
is paid to her husband, Mr. Wetherell, to whom she was wedded just
before her debut in opera; he has been a constant solace and help,
she says, and no disagreement or harshness has ruffled the felicity
of their holy relation. In the appendix to the memoirs are to be
found letters addressed at different times to Miss Abbott by Patti,
Gounod, Kellogg, Longfellow, Jenny Lind, Nilsson, Wagner, Dumas,
Brignoli, Liszt, and other notables. Numerous fine steel portraits
add value to the volume.

In a word, this book serves as a delightful history of the time of
which it treats. It gives us pictures of places, manners, and
morals, and chats with distinguished men and women. Better than
this, it is the reflex of an earnest life and of a stanch, pure
heart, challenging our admiration, and worthy of our emulation.

INDEX

Abbott, Miss Emma, a friend of Field, i., 228, 346;
Field's review of her imaginary autobiography, ii., 332-340
"Ailsie, My Bairn," ii., 129
Aldrich, Thomas Bailey, i., 134
"Alliaunce, The," ii., 124-126
"An Appreciation" of Eugene Field, i., 201
"April Vespers," i., 129, 130
Archer, Belle, i., 249
Arion Quartette, formed by Field and others, i., 113
Armour, George A., ii., 173
Auer, Louis, ii., 294
"Aunt Mary Matilda Series," ii., 28, 35
"Auto-Analysis, An," i., 51, 99, 106;
reference to Field's early verse, 135, 227;
origin and publication of, ii., 234-240
"Awful Bugaboo, The