“My friend,” I said, “justice is a virtue. For a _Garde française_ it must be admitted that you are a finished story-teller. But I have a strong impression that I have already heard that story somewhere.” “It may be that Julie herself related it. She was a creature of infinite wit.” “And what became of her?” “She knew some happy times in the days of the Consulate. Nevertheless, of an evening she would whisper sorrowful secrets to the trees in her park. You see, Monsieur, she was better armed against death than against love.” “And he who wrote such elegant letters?” “He became a baron and prefect under the Empire.” “And little Pierre?” “He died a colonel of _gendarmerie_ at Versailles, in 1859.” “The deuce he did!” ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE WORKS OF ANATOLE FRANCE It has long been a reproach to England that only one volume by ANATOLE FRANCE has been adequately rendered into English; yet outside this country he shares the distinction with TOLSTOI of being the greatest and most daring student of humanity now living. ¶ There have been many difficulties to encounter in completing arrangements for a uniform edition, though perhaps the chief barrier to publication here has been the fact that his writings are not for babes—but for men and the mothers of men. Indeed, some of his Eastern romances are written with biblical candour. “I have sought truth strenuously,” he tells us, “I have met her boldly. I have never turned from her even when she wore an unexpected aspect.” Still, it is believed that the day has come for giving English versions of all his imaginative works, and of his monumental study JOAN OF ARC, which is undoubtedly the most discussed book in the world of letters to-day. ¶ MR. JOHN LANE has pleasure in announcing that he will commence publication of works by M. Anatole France in English, which will be under the general editorship of Mr. FREDERIC CHAPMAN, with the following volumes: 1. THE RED LILY. A Translation by Winifred Stephens. 2. MOTHER OF PEARL. A Translation by the Editor. 3. THE GARDEN OF EPICURUS. A Translation by Alfred Allinson. 4. THE CRIME OF SYLVESTRE BONNARD. A Translation by Lafcadio Hearn. ¶ During the autumn and next year will appear the remaining volumes, including JOAN OF ARC. All the books will be published at SIX SHILLINGS each, with the exception of JOAN OF ARC. ¶ The format of the volumes leaves little to be desired. The size is Demy 8vo (9 × 5¾ in.), and they will be printed from Caslon type upon a paper light of weight but strong in texture, with a cover design, a gilt top, end-papers from designs by Aubrey Beardsley, initials by Henry Ospovat. In short, these are volumes for the bibliophile as well as the lover of fiction, and form perhaps the cheapest library edition of copyright novels ever published, for the price is only that of an ordinary novel.