PREFATORY NOTE



performance, it was just as timely as ever;
and the characteristics which raised it out of
its locale into a larger study of feminine lying,
seemed to have gained more poignancy with the
years.
  In actual date of composition, "The Truth"
was preceded by "The Woman in the Case ", the
latter attaining a popularity abroad which did
not exceed that of "The Truth ", but which still
continues, inasmuch as preparations are now
afoot for its presentation in Spain. During that
period of his career which brought forth "The
Woman in the Case ", Mr. Fitch met with many
failures; and that despondent tone, detected
in the letter previously quoted, was only a cul-
mination of the repeated lack of sympathy which
met him journalistically on all sides in America.
A characteristic letter was written by him from
"Quiet Corner ", just after the failure of "The
Coronet of the Duchess." "Midnight. Dear
         : A log fire, Boots, Fiametta, and Clan,
all sprawled about, and ME at the table writing.
I feel very small in this house alone, and somehow
the failure of the play seems bigger! I have
worked hard to-day, though; just as if I felt the
public was crazy for me! I go to rehearsal of the
'Her Own Way' company to-morrow." Another
one of his failures at this time was the slim little



viii