EL
Final de Norma' (The End of Norma), which was his first romance of
importance. Four years later he began to publish that series of notable
novels which brought him fame, both at home and abroad. The list
includes 'EL Sombrero de Tres Picos' (The Three-Cornered Hat), a
charming _genre_ sketch famous for its pungent wit and humor, and its
clever portraiture of provincial life in Spain at the beginning of this
century; 'La Alpujarra'; 'EL Escandalo' (The Scandal), a story which at
once created a profound sensation because of its ultramontane cast and
opposition to prevalent scientific opinion; 'El Nino de la Bola' (The
Child of the Ball), thought by many to be his masterpiece; 'El Capitan
Veneno' (Captain Veneno); 'Novelas Cortas' (Short Stories), 3 vols.; and
'La Prodiga' (The Prodigal). Alarcon is also favorably known as poet,
dramatic critic, and an incisive and effective writer of general prose.

His other publications comprise:--'Diario de un Testigo de la Guerra de
Africa' (Journal of a Witness of the African War), a work which is said
to have netted the publishers a profit of three million pesetas
($600,000); 'De Madrid a Napoles' (from Madrid to Naples); 'Poesias
Serias y Humoristicas' (Serious and Humorous Poems); 'Judicios
Literarios y Artisticos' (Literary and Artistic Critiques); 'Viages por
Espana' (Travels through Spain); 'El Hijo Prodigo' (The Prodigal Son), a
drama for children; and 'Ultimos Escritos' (Last Writings). Alarcon was
elected a member of the Spanish Academy December 15th, 1875. Many of his
novels have been translated into English and French. He died July
20th, 1891.

A WOMAN VIEWED FROM WITHOUT

From 'The Three-Cornered Hat'

The last and perhaps the most powerful reason which the quality of the
city--clergy as well as laymen, beginning with the bishop and the
corregidor--had for visiting the mill so often in the afternoon, was to
admire there at leisure one of the most beautiful, graceful, and
admirable works that ever left the hands of the Creator: called Sena
[Mrs.] Frasquita. Let us begin by assuring you that Sena Frasquita was
the lawful spouse of Uncle Luke, and an honest woman; of which fact all
the illustrious visitors of the mill were well aware. Indeed, none of
them ever seemed to gaze on her with sinful eyes or doubtful purpose.
They all admired her, indeed, and sometimes paid her compliments,--the
friars as well as the cavaliers, the prebendaries as well as the
magistrate,-