Fowl

“ It is not often that an artist evolves a new type—more especially a new comic type. But this is the proud achievement of the artist whose work adorns this little book. “Eve” has now become a clearly recognised figure of modern life, as clearly recognised as are the figures of George Belcher, Dana Gibson, and Bateman, and that very small band of clever artists who have characteristics peculiar to themselves. ”

“ No mechanism, any more than any man, was ever built to resist Eve’s unexpected little ways, with the result that she, although assured as to the astonishment of her friends, is less certain as to the envy she aroused. (In case of any misunderstanding, we may add that the picture is supposed to represent Eve trying to repair her car in the most crowded and fashionable spot in the park)
However, all troubles come eventually to an end, and Adam, poor dear, just back from the trenches, learns at last what real fear means. ”

“ And yet, while her irresistible humour makes one laugh, while her drawings fascinate us by their quaintness, she is never so far removed from reality as to be merely a painter of the human grotesque. Therein lies so much of her genius. She paints humanity with the eye of one who can see the comic in everyday people and things, and yet she never lets her feeling for the ridiculous obliterate her feeling for Truth. ”

“ Eve, Evelyn, and Evelinda rising to the occasion by forming a posse of police. With the aid of Uncle Fred they practise the necessary gymnastics to fit them for the force with such success that—
—they are able to astonish and convince a real copper as to their suitability for action
Servant Susie’s making shells for soldiers, so a splendid example is set to the ordinary citizeness by the titled rich, who are busy taking cookery lessons. ”

“ Even such things as motor-cars, ships, and carriages—which, from the point of view of an artist painting nothing but the truth, are out of all proportion—possess a quaintness which somehow accords better with the picture than if they were perfect models of technical knowledge and drawing. ”

“ War economy proceeds apace, and Eve shows us that since brandy balls and “sich like” have taken the place of the tiny liqueur, society, straining after simplicity and innocence, has adopted a popular game reminiscent of our childhood. Adam, lucky man, drops the sweet, which the expectant fair catch in their tiny mouths ”

“ So, telling the cook to keep Adam’s dinner warm for him—
—she effects a further economy by going out to dinner with a pal
29
Imagine Eve’s astonishment to see, when she arrives at the restaurant, Adam wallowing in a scrumptious dinner with some of his men friends. Eve sees but manages not to be seen, and at an early hour she slips away and rushes home, where she awaits the elusive Adam—
—whom she greets with tender solicitude, and insists on his sitting right down and devouring all that nice macaroni that cook has kept hot for him. ”

“ And you will understand, dear boys, that I have—notwithstanding Aunt Matilda’s and Uncle Fred’s disapproval—kept gay and frivolous to please you, and not because I didn’t understand and appreciate what you were doing for me, and other little Eves, and above all for our dear old country, which you have saved. Bless you all again and again. That all you wish may come to you as freely and as welcome as your generous appreciation has come to me is the constant wish of—
Your loving little friend,
EVE. P.S.—Tou-Tou sends a fond lick.
PREFACE.
By Richard King. ”

“ Our picture represents the old brigade of ’bus riders helplessly imploring our heroine to stop and pick them up. Eve, however, having landed a few khaki heroes, is forsaking the regular route to take them for a little joy-ride to Richmond Park
16 The Zeps
Threaten
Again.
Alas! the Coaching Clubs’ fascinating meets are a thing of the past
Eve draws up a list of things to do if the Zeps do come. She is seen reading it to Tou-Tou, who is visibly impressed
She carefully packs her hamper every night in case she may have to pic-nic out among the débris of her home the next day. ”

“ But success brings as usual trials in its train, and now Aunt Martha insists on having her hair curled there daily—
—while Uncle Fred is a very glutton for having his hair cut
44 Christmas at Home
and
Amusing.
(1) Eve goes down to Aunt Matilda for Christmas. Her first care is to hang up a bunch of mistletoe in a prominent position—
(2) —which she steadfastly stands under. Alas! naughty old men and schoolboys are the only representatives of the male species present to take advantage of it
(3) The Christmas dinner is still more depressing—no Adams, no excitement. ”