A Counterfeit Presentment and the Parlour Car

William Howells was an American realist author and literary critic. In 1904 he was one of the first seven members chosen for the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Howells wrote plays, criticism, and essays about contemporary literary figures such as Ibsen, Zola, Verga, and, Tolstoy. These writings helped to establish their reputations in the United States. Perhaps his greatest influence came from his writing critically in support of many American writers. These two selections are fun to read. A counterfeit presentment (a comedy) and The Parlour Car (a farce) were first published in 1884. A young artist named Bartlett is a scoundrel living in Paris. He is in love with Miss Wyatt and when he forges her father's signature he is no longer allowed to see her. The General takes his family to America where things get really complicated. At the end of this comedy of errors is a short farce called The Parlour Car.