"What care I how good he be!"
"What care I how good he be!"
And to her little waiting maid she would say: "By my faith, I could do with less goodness abroad and more comfort at home."
The old chough which Merlin gave the King was the wireless messenger between the King and Queen, and carried messages to and fro. Launcelot was left behind, as usual now, when the King went on a fighting tour in Wales. He had, however, a fit of the "blues" just then, and the Queen put him on milk and soda and dry biscuit diet, so he soon got well, and trouble began. They played hide-and-seek, and found each other in the gardens, and quarrelled and made it up again, until the Queen had fond eyes for none but Launcelot; and the old chough hopped about the Court, and was kept waiting for a return message which, when he got it, wasn't worth the carrying, so light of love the words were. The old chough had a friend at Court, a dwarf, who played the fool, and skipped about like a withered leaf, and learnt a good deal more than people wot of. One day he tied a paper around the chough's leg, which opened the King's eyes when he read it;and he whispered something to the chough, which made him turn red about the beak.
The King was still in Wales, and his sword ran crimson. A council of war broke up in confusion, all through one Murdock, a bosom friend of Launcelot's, putting his spoke in all the King's plans. It was Murdock's turn to sleep on the mat outside the King's chamber, and the old chough, acting on information received, kept his eye on Murdock. The King was sweetly dreaming of home and Jenefer, his Queen, when the chough woke him.
"What's up?" asked the King.
"Come and see," croaked the chough, hopping towards the door.
Then King Arthur noticed that the old chough was crimson about the feet and legs, and great drops of blood stained the floor, and he soon found the reason, for the chough had slain Murdock in his sleep, and so saved the life of the King, as was proved by correspondence in secret cypher found in the traitor's breast-pocket. Then the King called all the Court together, and in their presence knighted the chough; and from that day the chough family have had red beaks and legs.
When King Arthur died, his soul entered into the body of Sir Chough, his old familiar and preserver, and now, whenever he visits the scenes of past shame and glory, it is in the body of a chough,and that is why the Cornish would not kill a chough in the old days, when this story was fresh in their minds.
"Now the chough is protected by Act of Parliament," said Guy.
"Ill-protected," replied the Bookworm. "What Act of Parliament is so effective as a feeling of reverence consecrated by centuries? You destroy tradition at your own peril."
"All right; the story isn't bad," said Guy. "I thought we were going to have something tasty about Queen Jenefer and Launcelot."
"No, the story is only concerned with showing how and why a black chough got a red beak and legs, and transmitted the distinction to the whole family of choughs. If you want the story of the whitewashing of Jenefer, you must go to Tennyson."
"I know—the Queen and the little maid that in convent did dwell. It is very nice reading, even if you don't believe it," said Guy.
The popular fancy buried King Arthur in a long mound in the Camelford district—about the bleakest and most sterile in the county. There is an ancient British fortification here, and here the old people thought a fit and proper place for the resting-place of a King for ever at war against men and the age he lived in. But no legend seems to have fastened on this spot as the centre of mystic visitation by red-legged choughs, or theshadowy repentant forms of Jenefer and Launcelot, and all those who failed to keep the oaths of chastity and the higher life. Only here and all around—a land of mountain, bog, and moor, bleak and inhospitable—is a vast burial-ground of ancient Britons in kist and tumuli, rude dwellings and entrenchments. Here King Arthur may lie and sleep as soundly as in the "Vale of Avalon," the poet's paradise for a grand soul born before its time; but when legend is so silent, history is doubtful in this land.
We reached Camelford, and at night the piskies sealed our eyes in sleep too restful even for the shadow of a dream.
A CORNISH STYLE.
A CORNISH STYLE.
Weknew the voice. Our American friend, John B. Bellamy, was in form, and held a select audience interested in the smoke-room of the Royal at Plymouth. This is what we heard him say—
"Why, gentlemen, the people of this old country don't know a good thing when they've got it. What is it, all of it, from the Tamar to the Land's End? A nice little estate in size for a cattle ranch out West, with everything on it for making a pile. Why, gentlemen, every breath of air is worth dollars, your skies are worth dollars, your seas are worth dollars, all your old piskies and saints and giants are worth dollars—just ask John B. Bellamy to run the show.
"Why, gentlemen, we, in America, make dollars; we can't help it. Then we get tired, but must go on because we have nothing else to do. A man may make dollars in the States faster than he can give'm away. I know a man who has charity-cheques signed by an electric machine, and still his pile grows, and he says it'll pay to give away all he possibly can now, rather than let his heirs pay death duties, which will be quite a sum on his little concern; for he is a small man compared with some. These are the men who want a place like this to come to when tired of pile-raising. You may say, gentlemen, some other place your side of the pond will do just as well; but it won't. Youcan'twork in this country; John B. Bellamy has tried it. Why, gentlemen, in the States youmustwork; and when the day ends, you don't know you've finished, but go to bed looking for a job; but here, there's something in the air, and you just don't want to work, anddon't care if the whole durned sub-lunary universe tumbles into space. That's how I feel.
"Just put up a big board, gentlemen, and advertise 'Cornwall to Let: leases of life renewed to men with dollar-piles and tired of trying to be tired.' You'll have'm tumbling over in shiploads, for it'll suit their complaint, just like Lancashire air suits cotton. It'll just suit the Cornish complaint for them to come, now that 'fish, tin, and copper' aren't all flourishing.
"I don't want to work here. I tell you honestly, I don't want to work. When I return, I'll tell my friends that I've located the place in which I don't want to work; and all the gold bugs and pile-drivers will come round and want the receipt. I'll just tell them it's the Cornish air, and Cornish skies, and Cornish cream, and Cornish everything—the place where Old Nick built churches, just for want of something to do. That'll be a new sensation in the States for men with piles wanting an extension of time to look around before the next-of-kin pay the death duties.
"No, gentlemen, no thanks, if you please. These are the honest opinions of John B. Bellamy, citizen, U.S.A., and if you want a man to run the show, why, that address will find him."
Paddington once more.
"Evening papers—Extra Specials. AutumnSessions. Panic on Stock Exchange. Revolutions. Anarchies!"
"Great Scott! Where on earth have we been living?" said Guy, excitedly.
"Hi! Boy! Papers! All of'm?"
LOW TIDE.
BY ARTHUR H. ADAMS.
GALAHAD JONES.A Tragic Farce. Crown 8vo. 6/-
With 16 full-page Illustrations by Norman Lindsay.
⁂ Galahad Jone is a middle-aged bank clerk, with a family. One day, on his way home, a letter falls to his feet from the balcony of a house he is passing. It is addressed "To You," and on reading it he discovers that he is requested to meet the writer in the garden of the house at 10 o'clock that night. In a spirit of knight-errantry, he decides to do so, and learns that the writer—a young girl—is kept practically in prison by her father, because of her affection for a man of whom he does not approve. The chivalry of Galahad Jones plunges him into many difficulties, and leads to some very awkward and extremely amusing situations.
⁂ Galahad Jone is a middle-aged bank clerk, with a family. One day, on his way home, a letter falls to his feet from the balcony of a house he is passing. It is addressed "To You," and on reading it he discovers that he is requested to meet the writer in the garden of the house at 10 o'clock that night. In a spirit of knight-errantry, he decides to do so, and learns that the writer—a young girl—is kept practically in prison by her father, because of her affection for a man of whom he does not approve. The chivalry of Galahad Jones plunges him into many difficulties, and leads to some very awkward and extremely amusing situations.
A TOUCH OF FANTASY.Crown 8vo. 6/-
Romance For Those who are Lucky Enough to Wear Glasses.
Daily Graphic—"A romance full of tenderness and charm, and written with an artist's love of words for their own sake. Mr. Adams has delicacy of observation and insight."Pall Hall Gazette—"Mr. Adams seems likely to enhance his reputation with the new novel. Mr. Adams writes well, and his characters live, and the result is a book which is interesting and quite out of the common."
Daily Graphic—"A romance full of tenderness and charm, and written with an artist's love of words for their own sake. Mr. Adams has delicacy of observation and insight."
Pall Hall Gazette—"Mr. Adams seems likely to enhance his reputation with the new novel. Mr. Adams writes well, and his characters live, and the result is a book which is interesting and quite out of the common."
BY CIRO ALVI.
THE SAINT'S PROGRESS; A Novel.Crown 8vo. 6/-
Translated from the Italian of Ciro Alvi by Mary Gibson.
⁂ Signor Ciro Alvi has written a long and most sympathetic novel dealing with the life of one of the noblest spirits of the Christian Church who was perhaps the most extraordinary man of his age. The somewhat dissolute early life of the founder of the Franciscan Order is deftly outlined, the young man's innate goodness of heart and kindly disposition being clearly apparent even in the midst of his ostentatious gaiety and sudden impulses.
⁂ Signor Ciro Alvi has written a long and most sympathetic novel dealing with the life of one of the noblest spirits of the Christian Church who was perhaps the most extraordinary man of his age. The somewhat dissolute early life of the founder of the Franciscan Order is deftly outlined, the young man's innate goodness of heart and kindly disposition being clearly apparent even in the midst of his ostentatious gaiety and sudden impulses.
BY W. M. ARDAGH.
THE MAGADA.Crown 8vo. 6/-
Pall Mall Gazette—"'The Magada' is a store-house of rare and curious learning ... it is a well-written and picturesque story of high adventure and deeds of derring-do."Observer—"The book has admirably caught the spirit of romance."Daily Chronicle—"'The Magada' is a fine and finely told story, and we congratulate Mr. Ardagh."
Pall Mall Gazette—"'The Magada' is a store-house of rare and curious learning ... it is a well-written and picturesque story of high adventure and deeds of derring-do."
Observer—"The book has admirably caught the spirit of romance."
Daily Chronicle—"'The Magada' is a fine and finely told story, and we congratulate Mr. Ardagh."
THE KNIGHTLY YEARS.Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ In "The Knightly Years" the author of "The Magada" takes us back once more to the Canary Islands in the days of Isabella the Catholic. The tale deals with the aftermath of conquests, when "the first use the islanders made of their newly-acquired moral code was to apply it to their rulers." The hero of the story is the body-servant of the profligate Governor of Gomera, whose love affairs become painfully involved with those of his master. In the course of his many adventures we come across Queen Isabella herself, the woman to whom every man was loyal save her own husband; and countless Spanish worthies, seamen, soldiers, governors and priests, all real men, the makers of Empire four hundred years ago. The book abounds in quaint sayings both of Spaniard and native, while the love-making of the simple young hero and his child-wife weaves a pretty thread of romance through the stirring tale of adventure.
⁂ In "The Knightly Years" the author of "The Magada" takes us back once more to the Canary Islands in the days of Isabella the Catholic. The tale deals with the aftermath of conquests, when "the first use the islanders made of their newly-acquired moral code was to apply it to their rulers." The hero of the story is the body-servant of the profligate Governor of Gomera, whose love affairs become painfully involved with those of his master. In the course of his many adventures we come across Queen Isabella herself, the woman to whom every man was loyal save her own husband; and countless Spanish worthies, seamen, soldiers, governors and priests, all real men, the makers of Empire four hundred years ago. The book abounds in quaint sayings both of Spaniard and native, while the love-making of the simple young hero and his child-wife weaves a pretty thread of romance through the stirring tale of adventure.
BY ALLEN ARNOT.
THE DEMPSEY DIAMONDS; A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ his is the story of the secret transference of a fortune; and the scene is laid mainly in two old houses in two Scottish Villages, one on the east coast, one buried in midland woods. The tale is of the old slow days of twenty years ago before the tyranny of speed began, but it is swayed throughout and borne to its close by the same swift passions that sway the stories of men and women to-day, and will sway them till the end of time.
⁂ his is the story of the secret transference of a fortune; and the scene is laid mainly in two old houses in two Scottish Villages, one on the east coast, one buried in midland woods. The tale is of the old slow days of twenty years ago before the tyranny of speed began, but it is swayed throughout and borne to its close by the same swift passions that sway the stories of men and women to-day, and will sway them till the end of time.
BY H. F. PREYOST BATTERSBY.
THE SILENCE OF MEN.Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ Lynne is a girl who shows a strong liking for a change of surname. Indeed, it is not always certain by what name she has a right to be called. March, a young civilian of great promise, meets her on the boat going out to India, and offers her the hospitality of his house, which is kept by an unmarried sister. March and Lynne become married—and secretly so at Lynne's express wish. After a brief time she bolts to England with Lord Rupert Dorrington, an A.D.C., and cables that she has married him. While on leave March comes across her at a fashionable ball in London. Meanwhile he has fallen in love with another girl, but Lynne declares that if he marries her she will cry the true facts from the housetops.By a cunning arrangement of circumstance the reader is made aware of the fact that March's marriage has been all along invalid, which of course puts a different complexion upon Lynne's matrimonial position.Mr. Battersby handles the story in a very masterful way, and his descriptions of Indian scenery and social life in London show the quality of personal observation.
⁂ Lynne is a girl who shows a strong liking for a change of surname. Indeed, it is not always certain by what name she has a right to be called. March, a young civilian of great promise, meets her on the boat going out to India, and offers her the hospitality of his house, which is kept by an unmarried sister. March and Lynne become married—and secretly so at Lynne's express wish. After a brief time she bolts to England with Lord Rupert Dorrington, an A.D.C., and cables that she has married him. While on leave March comes across her at a fashionable ball in London. Meanwhile he has fallen in love with another girl, but Lynne declares that if he marries her she will cry the true facts from the housetops.
By a cunning arrangement of circumstance the reader is made aware of the fact that March's marriage has been all along invalid, which of course puts a different complexion upon Lynne's matrimonial position.
Mr. Battersby handles the story in a very masterful way, and his descriptions of Indian scenery and social life in London show the quality of personal observation.
THE LAST RESORT.Crown 8vo. 6/-
Observer—"A really stirring novel—a novel of flesh and blood and character, of quiet everyday life, and of life at its most strenuous and heroic ... admirable psychology ... a book to remember."
Observer—"A really stirring novel—a novel of flesh and blood and character, of quiet everyday life, and of life at its most strenuous and heroic ... admirable psychology ... a book to remember."
BY GERARD BENDALL.
THE ILLUSIONS OF MR. & MRS. BRESSINGHAM.A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
"A delightful, farcical comedy of modern life ... natural, spirited dialogue ... lively entertainment."
"A delightful, farcical comedy of modern life ... natural, spirited dialogue ... lively entertainment."
THE PROGRESS OF MRS. CRIPPS-MIDDLEMORE.A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
Pall Mall Gazette—"Mr. Gerard Bendall is to be congratulated on having written an extremely amusing novel in which the leading idea and the final reflection are sufficiently refreshing in these days of miscellaneous fiction."Observer—"Mr. Gerard Bendall knows how to poke amiable fun at people. He writes in a leisurely way, and his book is full of talk—some of it extremely good talk."
Pall Mall Gazette—"Mr. Gerard Bendall is to be congratulated on having written an extremely amusing novel in which the leading idea and the final reflection are sufficiently refreshing in these days of miscellaneous fiction."
Observer—"Mr. Gerard Bendall knows how to poke amiable fun at people. He writes in a leisurely way, and his book is full of talk—some of it extremely good talk."
BY PAUL BERTRAM
THE SHADOW OF POWER. Third Thousand. Crown 8vo. 6/-
Times—"Few readers have taken up 'The Shadow of Power' and come face to face with Don Jaimie de Jorquera, will lay it down or refuse him a hearing until the book and his adventures come to an end."Daily Mail—"This is a book that cuts deep into nature and experience. We commend it most heartily to discerning readers, and hope it may take its place with the best historical novels."
Times—"Few readers have taken up 'The Shadow of Power' and come face to face with Don Jaimie de Jorquera, will lay it down or refuse him a hearing until the book and his adventures come to an end."
Daily Mail—"This is a book that cuts deep into nature and experience. We commend it most heartily to discerning readers, and hope it may take its place with the best historical novels."
THE FIFTH TRUMPET. A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
Morning Post—"A remarkably strong book.... This is a book for those to read who like an historical novel that touches real issues, and even for those who are on the look out for A NEW SENSATION."
Morning Post—"A remarkably strong book.... This is a book for those to read who like an historical novel that touches real issues, and even for those who are on the look out for A NEW SENSATION."
BY HORACE BLEACKLEY.
A GENTLEMAN OF THE ROAD. Crown 8vo. 6/-
Author of "Ladies Fair and Frail," etc.
⁂ As the title implies, this is a very gallant novel: an eighteenth century story of abductions, lonely inns, highwaymen and hangmen. Two men are in love with Margaret Crofton: Colonel Thornley, an old villain, and Dick Maynard, who is as youthful as he is virtuous. Thornley nearly succeeds in compelling Margaret to marry him, for he has in his possession a document sadly incriminating to her father. Maynard settles Thornley, but himself in his turn is "up against it." He is arrested for complicity in the highway thefts of a glad but graceless young ruffian. Both are sentenced to death, but a great effort is made to get them reprieved. It would be a pity to divulge the climax cunningly contrived by Mr. Bleackley, save to say that the book ends in a scene of breathless interest before the Tyburn gallows.
⁂ As the title implies, this is a very gallant novel: an eighteenth century story of abductions, lonely inns, highwaymen and hangmen. Two men are in love with Margaret Crofton: Colonel Thornley, an old villain, and Dick Maynard, who is as youthful as he is virtuous. Thornley nearly succeeds in compelling Margaret to marry him, for he has in his possession a document sadly incriminating to her father. Maynard settles Thornley, but himself in his turn is "up against it." He is arrested for complicity in the highway thefts of a glad but graceless young ruffian. Both are sentenced to death, but a great effort is made to get them reprieved. It would be a pity to divulge the climax cunningly contrived by Mr. Bleackley, save to say that the book ends in a scene of breathless interest before the Tyburn gallows.
BY EX-LIEUTENANT BILSE.
LIFE IN A GARRISON TOWN. Crown 8vo. 6/-
Also in Paper Cover 1/-net.
The suppressed German Novel. With a preface written by the author whilst in London, and an introduction by Arnold White.
Truth—"The disgraceful exposures of the book were expressly admitted to be true by the Minister of War in the Reichstag. What the book will probably suggest to you is, that German militarism is cutting its own throat, and will one day be hoist with its own petard."
Truth—"The disgraceful exposures of the book were expressly admitted to be true by the Minister of War in the Reichstag. What the book will probably suggest to you is, that German militarism is cutting its own throat, and will one day be hoist with its own petard."
BY WALTER BLOEM.
THE IRON YEAR.A Novel Crown 8vo. 6/-
Translated from the German by Stella Bloch.
⁂ This remarkable novel depicts in vivid word-painting the final struggle between France and Germany, in the year 1870. The advance of the German troops, the famous battle of Spicheren, the fearful cavalry encounter of Rezonville, the struggle and capitulation of Strassburg are all incidents in this wonderfully graphic narrative. A love-story runs through the book, telling of the fateful attraction of a French officer for a German girl. As may well be imagined, the path of their lives is beset with many obstacles, but after great tribulations they are reunited under very pathetic circumstances. Another finely drawn character is that of a hypersensitive gifted young musician, transformed, during these times of stress, into a strong man of action."The Iron Year" created an extraordinary sensation in Germany. So great was the demand for the book that twenty editions were exhausted. The German Emperor read it aloud to the members of the Royal Family circle during the Spring.
⁂ This remarkable novel depicts in vivid word-painting the final struggle between France and Germany, in the year 1870. The advance of the German troops, the famous battle of Spicheren, the fearful cavalry encounter of Rezonville, the struggle and capitulation of Strassburg are all incidents in this wonderfully graphic narrative. A love-story runs through the book, telling of the fateful attraction of a French officer for a German girl. As may well be imagined, the path of their lives is beset with many obstacles, but after great tribulations they are reunited under very pathetic circumstances. Another finely drawn character is that of a hypersensitive gifted young musician, transformed, during these times of stress, into a strong man of action.
"The Iron Year" created an extraordinary sensation in Germany. So great was the demand for the book that twenty editions were exhausted. The German Emperor read it aloud to the members of the Royal Family circle during the Spring.
BY PETER BLUNDELL.
THE FINGER OF MR. BLEE.A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ The amusing adventures of Harold Blee, a youthful Eurasian, form the main theme of this original novel. Harold is brought into contact with the two rival factions of the local British society, and perpetrates many works of mischief, to the discomfiture of the rich and pompous Mrs. Gladstone Mortimer and to the suppressed amusement of her enemies. He is a most versatile boy, whose quaint quips and irresistible antics serve a very useful purpose, when he is instrumental in smoothing out the course of love for Harry McMucker, his employer's son.
⁂ The amusing adventures of Harold Blee, a youthful Eurasian, form the main theme of this original novel. Harold is brought into contact with the two rival factions of the local British society, and perpetrates many works of mischief, to the discomfiture of the rich and pompous Mrs. Gladstone Mortimer and to the suppressed amusement of her enemies. He is a most versatile boy, whose quaint quips and irresistible antics serve a very useful purpose, when he is instrumental in smoothing out the course of love for Harry McMucker, his employer's son.
BY SHELLAND BRADLEY.
ADVENTURES OF AN A.D.C.Crown 8vo. 6/-
Westminster Gazette—" ... makes better and more entertaining reading than nine out of every ten novels of the day.... Those who know nothing about Anglo-Indian social life will be as well entertained by this story as those who know everything about it."Times—"Full of delightful humour."
Westminster Gazette—" ... makes better and more entertaining reading than nine out of every ten novels of the day.... Those who know nothing about Anglo-Indian social life will be as well entertained by this story as those who know everything about it."
Times—"Full of delightful humour."
AN AMERICAN GIRL AT THE DURBAR.A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ A charming love story, containing a vivid and picturesque account of the Durbar.Daily Chronicle—"Here is a truly delightful work which should prove of interest to a wide class of readers—a book for a dull day."
⁂ A charming love story, containing a vivid and picturesque account of the Durbar.
Daily Chronicle—"Here is a truly delightful work which should prove of interest to a wide class of readers—a book for a dull day."
BY EVELYN BRENTWOOD.
HENRY KEMPTON.A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ In his second novel, Evelyn Brentwood has again given us a vivid picture of soldier life, and has again chosen for his hero a very unconventional character. Cool and calculating, ambitious and heartless, Henry determines to climb the social ladder by every means in his power. Articled to a solicitor when the story opens, he is only waiting for an opportunity to follow his inclinations and enter the army, when an accidental meeting with a duke's daughter precipitates matters, and he immediately throws up the study of the law. Later, we follow his career as a soldier; see how he falls under the spell of one of his senior officers in the 24th Hussars; how he wins the V. C. for the mere purpose of bringing his name into prominence; how he is invalided home and meets Lady Violet for the second time; and finally how he is taught, through his experience with a worthless woman, to estimate at its true value the love of one who stands by him in the hour of his humiliation.
⁂ In his second novel, Evelyn Brentwood has again given us a vivid picture of soldier life, and has again chosen for his hero a very unconventional character. Cool and calculating, ambitious and heartless, Henry determines to climb the social ladder by every means in his power. Articled to a solicitor when the story opens, he is only waiting for an opportunity to follow his inclinations and enter the army, when an accidental meeting with a duke's daughter precipitates matters, and he immediately throws up the study of the law. Later, we follow his career as a soldier; see how he falls under the spell of one of his senior officers in the 24th Hussars; how he wins the V. C. for the mere purpose of bringing his name into prominence; how he is invalided home and meets Lady Violet for the second time; and finally how he is taught, through his experience with a worthless woman, to estimate at its true value the love of one who stands by him in the hour of his humiliation.
HECTOR GRAEME.Third Thousand Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ The outstanding feature of "Hector Graeme" is the convincing picture it gives of military life in India and South Africa, written by one who is thoroughly acquainted with it. Hector Graeme is not the great soldier of fiction, usually depicted by novelists, but a rather unpopular officer in the English army who is given to strange fits of unconsciousness, during which he shows extraordinary physic powers. He is a man as ambitious as he is unscrupulous, with the desire but not the ability to become a Napoleon. The subject matter of the story is unusual and the atmosphere thoroughly convincing.Morning Leader—"Provides much excitement and straightforward pleasure. A remarkable exception to the usual boring novels about military life."
⁂ The outstanding feature of "Hector Graeme" is the convincing picture it gives of military life in India and South Africa, written by one who is thoroughly acquainted with it. Hector Graeme is not the great soldier of fiction, usually depicted by novelists, but a rather unpopular officer in the English army who is given to strange fits of unconsciousness, during which he shows extraordinary physic powers. He is a man as ambitious as he is unscrupulous, with the desire but not the ability to become a Napoleon. The subject matter of the story is unusual and the atmosphere thoroughly convincing.
Morning Leader—"Provides much excitement and straightforward pleasure. A remarkable exception to the usual boring novels about military life."
BY JAMES BRYCE.
THE STORY OF A PLOUGHBOY.An Autobiography. Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ As will be seen from the title of its parts—"The Farm," "The Mansion," "The Cottage"—the characters whose passions and interests make the plot of this story are drawn from the households of the Labourer, the Farmer and the Squire; the book is therefore an attempt to present country life in all its important aspects. In this, again, it differs from all other novels of the soil in our own or perhaps in any language: its author writes not from book-knowledge or hearsay or even observation, but from experience. He has lived what he describes, and under the power of his realism readers will feel that they are not so much glancing over printed pages as mixing with living men and women. But the story has interest for others than the ordinary novel-reader. It appeals as strongly to the many earnest minds that are now concerned with the questions of Land and Industrial Reform. To such its very faithfulness to life will suggest answers startling, perhaps, but certainly arresting.
⁂ As will be seen from the title of its parts—"The Farm," "The Mansion," "The Cottage"—the characters whose passions and interests make the plot of this story are drawn from the households of the Labourer, the Farmer and the Squire; the book is therefore an attempt to present country life in all its important aspects. In this, again, it differs from all other novels of the soil in our own or perhaps in any language: its author writes not from book-knowledge or hearsay or even observation, but from experience. He has lived what he describes, and under the power of his realism readers will feel that they are not so much glancing over printed pages as mixing with living men and women. But the story has interest for others than the ordinary novel-reader. It appeals as strongly to the many earnest minds that are now concerned with the questions of Land and Industrial Reform. To such its very faithfulness to life will suggest answers startling, perhaps, but certainly arresting.
BY WILLIAM CAINE.
HOFFMANN'S CHANCE.A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ This is a realistic story of the stage which bears the obvious impress of truth. Michael Hoffman is a struggling musician of tremendous talent. He is introduced to Orde, a very rich dillettante. They collaborate in a blend of comic opera and musical comedy. Their music is clever and tuneful, but the libretto, alas, brings them to grief. There is plenty of feminine interest in the book and some clever sketches of "women who do things."Morning Post—"The most considerable piece of work Mr. Caine has yet given us. 'Hoffman's Chance' would have been worth writing merely for the presentation of Orde the Ass and Psyche the Cat—especially the actress, whose portraiture is one of the most vivid and effective presentations of cattiness that has ever come our way."
⁂ This is a realistic story of the stage which bears the obvious impress of truth. Michael Hoffman is a struggling musician of tremendous talent. He is introduced to Orde, a very rich dillettante. They collaborate in a blend of comic opera and musical comedy. Their music is clever and tuneful, but the libretto, alas, brings them to grief. There is plenty of feminine interest in the book and some clever sketches of "women who do things."
Morning Post—"The most considerable piece of work Mr. Caine has yet given us. 'Hoffman's Chance' would have been worth writing merely for the presentation of Orde the Ass and Psyche the Cat—especially the actress, whose portraiture is one of the most vivid and effective presentations of cattiness that has ever come our way."
BY DANIEL CHAUCER.
THE SIMPLE LIFE, LIMITED.Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ This novel has a very decided quality of satire which is inspired by the convention of the unconventional. Evidently Mr. Chaucer knows the Simple Life from the inside, and his reflections will both amuse and amaze those who know it only from casual allusions. Many well-known figures will be recognized, though not in all cases under their proper names, and, as in the case of Mr. Mallock's "New Republic," Society will be busy dotting the "i's" and crossing the "t's."
⁂ This novel has a very decided quality of satire which is inspired by the convention of the unconventional. Evidently Mr. Chaucer knows the Simple Life from the inside, and his reflections will both amuse and amaze those who know it only from casual allusions. Many well-known figures will be recognized, though not in all cases under their proper names, and, as in the case of Mr. Mallock's "New Republic," Society will be busy dotting the "i's" and crossing the "t's."
THE NEW HUMPTY DUMPTY.Crown 8vo. 6/-
Globe—"Brilliant entertainment ... there is an extraordinary feeling for plot and incident, and an irresistible sense of satiric humour."Pall Mall Gazette—"The pseudonymous author of 'The Simple Life' gives us in 'The New Humpty Dumpty' a volume still more brilliant; so brilliant is it, with such a range of first-class experience, that there will be keen curiosity to know who has written these works."
Globe—"Brilliant entertainment ... there is an extraordinary feeling for plot and incident, and an irresistible sense of satiric humour."
Pall Mall Gazette—"The pseudonymous author of 'The Simple Life' gives us in 'The New Humpty Dumpty' a volume still more brilliant; so brilliant is it, with such a range of first-class experience, that there will be keen curiosity to know who has written these works."
BY MAUD CRUTTWELL.
FIRE AND FROST.A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ Fire is an Egyptian Prince and Frost is an English girl living in Florence. The impetuous and passionate temperament of the Oriental is matched against the steadfast rational nature of the heroine. The uncompromising desire of the former is to make the English girl his wife, and the circumstances under which she is reluctantly brought to consent are original but entirely convincing. Thenceforth the struggle is on the woman's part, as she finds herself pitted against the fierce vacillating will of her husband, and the jealous intrigues of a mercenary little Florentine marchesa—a character brilliantly drawn—and her satellites. The outcome of this battle of temperaments is deeply interesting. The natures of East and West in conflict have been employed as material for fiction already, but it can safely be said that never have the dramatic possibilities of the subject been treated with such judgment as in this novel. The author makes full use of her power of characterization in conveying the action of the story to the reader with a force only to be found in the work of a really accomplished writer.
⁂ Fire is an Egyptian Prince and Frost is an English girl living in Florence. The impetuous and passionate temperament of the Oriental is matched against the steadfast rational nature of the heroine. The uncompromising desire of the former is to make the English girl his wife, and the circumstances under which she is reluctantly brought to consent are original but entirely convincing. Thenceforth the struggle is on the woman's part, as she finds herself pitted against the fierce vacillating will of her husband, and the jealous intrigues of a mercenary little Florentine marchesa—a character brilliantly drawn—and her satellites. The outcome of this battle of temperaments is deeply interesting. The natures of East and West in conflict have been employed as material for fiction already, but it can safely be said that never have the dramatic possibilities of the subject been treated with such judgment as in this novel. The author makes full use of her power of characterization in conveying the action of the story to the reader with a force only to be found in the work of a really accomplished writer.
BY SIDNEY DARK.
THE MAN WHO WOULD NOT BE KING.A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
"It is only when a man does things for which he is not intended that his experiences become really interesting. For example, supposing that Sir Herbert Tree had gone to the South Polar regions instead of Sir Ernest Shackleton, what a delightful book would have resulted! So with me. Although I cannot claim any moral for my story it may not be without amusement. The adventures of a square peg in a round hole are always delightful, except, perhaps, to the square peg."So I start to relate the life of Fennimore Slavington, who had greatness thrust upon him much against his will and much to the discomfort of himself and many others."—Extract from the Prologue.
"It is only when a man does things for which he is not intended that his experiences become really interesting. For example, supposing that Sir Herbert Tree had gone to the South Polar regions instead of Sir Ernest Shackleton, what a delightful book would have resulted! So with me. Although I cannot claim any moral for my story it may not be without amusement. The adventures of a square peg in a round hole are always delightful, except, perhaps, to the square peg.
"So I start to relate the life of Fennimore Slavington, who had greatness thrust upon him much against his will and much to the discomfort of himself and many others."—Extract from the Prologue.
BY MARION FOX.
THE BOUNTIFUL HOUR.A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
Author of "The Hand of the North."
⁂ This is the story of a girl's life in the final years of the eighteenth century, the background of the plot lying around Olney in the time of Cowper and Newton, with the contrasted atmosphere of London in the days of the Prince Regent. With all of these the heroine, Charlotte Hume, comes in contact.The shadow which is cast across the plot is the outcome of a promise, given by Howard Luttrell in his younger days to a woman of easy reputation, of whom he soon tired, but to whom he had passed his word that whilst she lived he would never marry. In later life he meets Charlotte Hume, with whom, almost unconsciously, he falls in love. On awakening fully to the fact, and finding the other woman still living, he brings the solving of the problem to the girl herself. Luttrell is the last of a long line of men and women, who, whatever they may or may not have done, never broke their word. The way in which Charlotte cuts the knot most be left to the patience of the reader to find out.The book does not pretend to being an historical novel, but a portrayal of certain aspects of middle-class life some hundred or more years ago.
⁂ This is the story of a girl's life in the final years of the eighteenth century, the background of the plot lying around Olney in the time of Cowper and Newton, with the contrasted atmosphere of London in the days of the Prince Regent. With all of these the heroine, Charlotte Hume, comes in contact.
The shadow which is cast across the plot is the outcome of a promise, given by Howard Luttrell in his younger days to a woman of easy reputation, of whom he soon tired, but to whom he had passed his word that whilst she lived he would never marry. In later life he meets Charlotte Hume, with whom, almost unconsciously, he falls in love. On awakening fully to the fact, and finding the other woman still living, he brings the solving of the problem to the girl herself. Luttrell is the last of a long line of men and women, who, whatever they may or may not have done, never broke their word. The way in which Charlotte cuts the knot most be left to the patience of the reader to find out.
The book does not pretend to being an historical novel, but a portrayal of certain aspects of middle-class life some hundred or more years ago.
THE WORKS OF ANATOLE FRANCE, in English.
Edited byFrederic Chapman. Demy 8vo. 6/-
THE OPINIONS OF JÉRÔME COIGNARD.A Translation by Mrs.Wilfrid Jackson.ON LIFE AND LETTERS.A Translation byA. W. Evans. Vols. 2, 3 & 4.THE GODS ARE ATHIRST.A Translation byAlfred Allinson.Already Published.MY FRIEND'S BOOK.A Translation byJ. Lewis May.JOCASTA AND THE FAMISHED CAT.A Translation by Mrs.Farley.THE ASPERATIONS OF JEAN SERVIEN.A Translation byAlfred Allinson.AT THE SIGN OF THE REINE PEDAUQUE.A Translation by Mrs.Wilfrid Jackson.ON LIFE AND LETTERS.Vol. 1.THE RED LILY.A Translation byWinifred Stephens.MOTHER OF PEARL.A Translation by theEditor.THE CRIME OF SYLVESTRE BONNARD.A Translation byLafcadio Hearn.THE GARDEN OF EPICURUS.A Translation byAlfred Allinson.THE WELL OF ST. CLARE.A Translation byAlfred Allinson.BALTHASAR.A Translation by Mrs.John Lane.THAÏS.A Translation byRobert B. Douglas.THE WHITE STONE.A Translation byC. E. Roche.PENGUIN ISLAND.A Translation byA. W. Evans.THE MERRIE TALES OF JACQUES TOURNEBROCHE.A Translation byAlfred Allinson.THE ELM TREE ON THE MALL.A Translation byM. P. Willcocks.THE WICKER-WORK WOMAN.A Translation byM. P. Willcocks.
THE OPINIONS OF JÉRÔME COIGNARD.A Translation by Mrs.Wilfrid Jackson.
ON LIFE AND LETTERS.A Translation byA. W. Evans. Vols. 2, 3 & 4.
THE GODS ARE ATHIRST.A Translation byAlfred Allinson.
Already Published.
MY FRIEND'S BOOK.A Translation byJ. Lewis May.
JOCASTA AND THE FAMISHED CAT.A Translation by Mrs.Farley.
THE ASPERATIONS OF JEAN SERVIEN.A Translation byAlfred Allinson.
AT THE SIGN OF THE REINE PEDAUQUE.A Translation by Mrs.Wilfrid Jackson.
ON LIFE AND LETTERS.Vol. 1.
THE RED LILY.A Translation byWinifred Stephens.
MOTHER OF PEARL.A Translation by theEditor.
THE CRIME OF SYLVESTRE BONNARD.A Translation byLafcadio Hearn.
THE GARDEN OF EPICURUS.A Translation byAlfred Allinson.
THE WELL OF ST. CLARE.A Translation byAlfred Allinson.
BALTHASAR.A Translation by Mrs.John Lane.
THAÏS.A Translation byRobert B. Douglas.
THE WHITE STONE.A Translation byC. E. Roche.
PENGUIN ISLAND.A Translation byA. W. Evans.
THE MERRIE TALES OF JACQUES TOURNEBROCHE.A Translation byAlfred Allinson.
THE ELM TREE ON THE MALL.A Translation byM. P. Willcocks.
THE WICKER-WORK WOMAN.A Translation byM. P. Willcocks.
BY JOHN GORE.
THE BARMECIDE'S FEAST.Crown 8vo. 3/6 net
With Illustrations by Arthur Penn.
⁂ A book which will delight lovers of humour.Daily News and Leader—"A book which MR. BALFOUR WOULD ENJOY."
⁂ A book which will delight lovers of humour.
Daily News and Leader—"A book which MR. BALFOUR WOULD ENJOY."
BY A. R. GORING-THOMAS.
MRS. GRAMERCY PARK.Crown 8vo. 6/-
World—"In the language of the heroine herself, this, her story, is delightfully 'bright and cute.'"Observer—"Fresh and amusing."
World—"In the language of the heroine herself, this, her story, is delightfully 'bright and cute.'"
Observer—"Fresh and amusing."
THE LASS WITH THE DELICATE AIR.Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ In his new novel Mr. Goring-Thomas relates the history of a young girl whose beautiful face is a mask that allures. Round the history of "The Lass with the Delicate Air" is woven the story of the Hicks family. Mrs. Hicks keeps a lodging house in Chelsea, and has theatrical ambitions. The author has keen powers of observation and a faculty of "getting inside a woman's mind" and the same witty dialogue that was so commented upon in "Mrs. Gramercy-Park" is again seen in the new work. The scene of the book is laid partly in London and partly in Paris.
⁂ In his new novel Mr. Goring-Thomas relates the history of a young girl whose beautiful face is a mask that allures. Round the history of "The Lass with the Delicate Air" is woven the story of the Hicks family. Mrs. Hicks keeps a lodging house in Chelsea, and has theatrical ambitions. The author has keen powers of observation and a faculty of "getting inside a woman's mind" and the same witty dialogue that was so commented upon in "Mrs. Gramercy-Park" is again seen in the new work. The scene of the book is laid partly in London and partly in Paris.
WAYWARD FEET.Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ This book is a departure on the part of Mr. Goring-Thomas, and is a brilliant piece of work. The scene of the book alternates between St. Wulphyturmer a mediæval fortified town in the Pas-de-Calais, and Paris. The two heroines Toinette Moreau and Joan Dombray, both come from St. Wulphy and both go to Paris. Their histories contrive a sharp contrast: one being by character sweet, yielding and affectionate, while the other is combative, rebellious and intellectual. The character drawing, as in Mr. Goring-Thomas' other books, is notably clear and interesting. His already celebrated wit, his original humour, and insight into character again illuminate his latest book. The history of Joan Dombray, especially, is a strong, original, and striking piece of work.
⁂ This book is a departure on the part of Mr. Goring-Thomas, and is a brilliant piece of work. The scene of the book alternates between St. Wulphyturmer a mediæval fortified town in the Pas-de-Calais, and Paris. The two heroines Toinette Moreau and Joan Dombray, both come from St. Wulphy and both go to Paris. Their histories contrive a sharp contrast: one being by character sweet, yielding and affectionate, while the other is combative, rebellious and intellectual. The character drawing, as in Mr. Goring-Thomas' other books, is notably clear and interesting. His already celebrated wit, his original humour, and insight into character again illuminate his latest book. The history of Joan Dombray, especially, is a strong, original, and striking piece of work.
BY HENRY HARLAND.
THE CARDINAL'S SNUFF BOX.Crown 8vo. 6/-
Illustrated by G. C. Wilmhurst. 165th. Thousand.
Academy—"The drawings are all excellent in style and really illustrative of the tale."Saturday Review—"Wholly delightful."Pall Mall Gazette—"Dainty and delicious."Times—"A book among a thousand."Spectator—"A charming romance."
Academy—"The drawings are all excellent in style and really illustrative of the tale."
Saturday Review—"Wholly delightful."
Pall Mall Gazette—"Dainty and delicious."
Times—"A book among a thousand."
Spectator—"A charming romance."
MY FRIEND PROSPERO.Crown 8vo. Third Edition. 6/-
Times—"There is no denying the charm of the work, the delicacy and fragrancy of the style, the sunny play of the dialogue, the vivacity of the wit, and the graceful flight of the fancy."World—"The reading of it is a pleasure rare and unalloyed."
Times—"There is no denying the charm of the work, the delicacy and fragrancy of the style, the sunny play of the dialogue, the vivacity of the wit, and the graceful flight of the fancy."
World—"The reading of it is a pleasure rare and unalloyed."
THE LADY PARAMOUNT.Crown 8vo. 55th Thousand. 6/-
Times—"A fantastic, delightful love-idyll."Spectator—"A roseate romance without a crumpled rose leaf."Daily Mail—"Charming, dainty, delightful."
Times—"A fantastic, delightful love-idyll."
Spectator—"A roseate romance without a crumpled rose leaf."
Daily Mail—"Charming, dainty, delightful."
COMEDIES AND ERRORS.Crown 8vo. Third Edition. 6/-
Mr.Henry James, inFortnightly Review—"Mr. Harland has clearly thought out a form.... He has mastered a method and learned how to paint.... His art is all alive with felicities and delicacies."
Mr.Henry James, inFortnightly Review—"Mr. Harland has clearly thought out a form.... He has mastered a method and learned how to paint.... His art is all alive with felicities and delicacies."
GREY ROSES.Crown 8vo. Fourth Edition. 3/6 net
Daily Telegraph—"'Grey Roses' are entitled to rank among the choicest flowers of the realms of romance."Spectator—"Really delightful. 'Castles near Spain' is as near perfection as it could well be."Daily Chronicle—"Charming stories, simple, full of freshness."
Daily Telegraph—"'Grey Roses' are entitled to rank among the choicest flowers of the realms of romance."
Spectator—"Really delightful. 'Castles near Spain' is as near perfection as it could well be."
Daily Chronicle—"Charming stories, simple, full of freshness."
MADEMOISELLE MISS.Crown 8vo. Third Edition. 3/6
Speaker—"All through the book we are pleased and entertained."Bookman—"An interesting collection of early work. In it may be noted the undoubted delicacy and strength of Mr. Harland's manner."
Speaker—"All through the book we are pleased and entertained."
Bookman—"An interesting collection of early work. In it may be noted the undoubted delicacy and strength of Mr. Harland's manner."
BY CROSBY HEATH.
HENRIETTA TAKING NOTES.Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ Henrietta is the eleven year old daughter of a dramatic critic, who, with her delightful younger brother, Cyrus, are worthy of a place beside "Helen's Babies" or "Elizabeth's Children." They cause the "Olympians" many anxious and anguished moments, yet their pranks are forgiven because of the endearing charm of their generous natures. Miss Heath writes of children with the skill that comes of a thorough understanding of the child mind.
⁂ Henrietta is the eleven year old daughter of a dramatic critic, who, with her delightful younger brother, Cyrus, are worthy of a place beside "Helen's Babies" or "Elizabeth's Children." They cause the "Olympians" many anxious and anguished moments, yet their pranks are forgiven because of the endearing charm of their generous natures. Miss Heath writes of children with the skill that comes of a thorough understanding of the child mind.
BY BERTAL HEENEY.
PICKANOCK: A Tale of Settlement Days in Olden Canada. Crown 8vo. 6/-
BY MURIEL HINE.
APRIL PANHASARD.A Novel. Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ Lady Essendine is reluctantly compelled to divorce her unfaithful husband, who has developed into a dipsomaniac. She is naturally distressed by the scandal her action carries, and flies to Coddle-in-the-Dale, where she hopes to hide her identity under the name of April Panhasard—a name chosen casually from the titles of three novels at a railway station bookstall, "Young April," "Peter Pan," "The Hazard of the Die." In the quiet village she moves a sweet and gracious figure, serenely indifferent to the curiosity of those who try to penetrate the mystery that surrounds her. Only Boris Majendie, who poses as her cousin, is in her confidence. Her quiet is speedily disturbed. A young American, to whom she is strangely drawn, makes her a proposal of marriage. Boris runs more than a little wild, although he leaves her his larger devotion. Finally her divorced husband turns up, and she is left in an intensely compromising situation, for the necessary six months have not yet elapsed to make the decree absolute. How she frees herself from this curious tangle must be left for the reader to find out.The book is alive with incident, but it has the rare quality of restraint, which prevents it from ever merging into the melodramatic, and the characters are all drawn with rare artistic skill.
⁂ Lady Essendine is reluctantly compelled to divorce her unfaithful husband, who has developed into a dipsomaniac. She is naturally distressed by the scandal her action carries, and flies to Coddle-in-the-Dale, where she hopes to hide her identity under the name of April Panhasard—a name chosen casually from the titles of three novels at a railway station bookstall, "Young April," "Peter Pan," "The Hazard of the Die." In the quiet village she moves a sweet and gracious figure, serenely indifferent to the curiosity of those who try to penetrate the mystery that surrounds her. Only Boris Majendie, who poses as her cousin, is in her confidence. Her quiet is speedily disturbed. A young American, to whom she is strangely drawn, makes her a proposal of marriage. Boris runs more than a little wild, although he leaves her his larger devotion. Finally her divorced husband turns up, and she is left in an intensely compromising situation, for the necessary six months have not yet elapsed to make the decree absolute. How she frees herself from this curious tangle must be left for the reader to find out.
The book is alive with incident, but it has the rare quality of restraint, which prevents it from ever merging into the melodramatic, and the characters are all drawn with rare artistic skill.
HALF IN EARNEST.Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ Derrick Kilmarney, the secretary of a famous politician, is a young man with the disposition to take the best that life offers him, and shirk the responsibilities. He falls in love with a girl, but shudders at the idea of the bondage of marriage. His love is emancipated, unfettered. He is ambitious, politically, allows himself to become entangled with his chief's wife, and is too indolent to break with her even in justice to the girl he loves. Eventually there comes a time when all the threads have to be gathered together, when love has to be weighed with ambition, and in Kilmarney's case the denounement is unexpected and startling.
⁂ Derrick Kilmarney, the secretary of a famous politician, is a young man with the disposition to take the best that life offers him, and shirk the responsibilities. He falls in love with a girl, but shudders at the idea of the bondage of marriage. His love is emancipated, unfettered. He is ambitious, politically, allows himself to become entangled with his chief's wife, and is too indolent to break with her even in justice to the girl he loves. Eventually there comes a time when all the threads have to be gathered together, when love has to be weighed with ambition, and in Kilmarney's case the denounement is unexpected and startling.
EARTH.Second Edition. Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ Muriel Hine's previous novel "Half in Earnest" achieved a considerable success, "Earth" seems likely to achieve a greater. The story deals with the awakening of a pure young girl to the realities of life and what they mean. With a proper understanding of human nature comes sympathy: to know all is to pardon all. "Earth" is a society novel with a society atmosphere that is convincing.
⁂ Muriel Hine's previous novel "Half in Earnest" achieved a considerable success, "Earth" seems likely to achieve a greater. The story deals with the awakening of a pure young girl to the realities of life and what they mean. With a proper understanding of human nature comes sympathy: to know all is to pardon all. "Earth" is a society novel with a society atmosphere that is convincing.
BY ADELAIDE HOLT.
OUTSIDE THE ARK.Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ This is an attractively told story with many outstanding features. Hugh Inskip, a prominent man of letters, marries a young wife, whom he does not understand, because she is continually posing and never her natural self. She is also jealous of the beautiful but incapacitated actress, Margaret Stair, for whom Inskip is writing a play, and makes use of an ingenious and shady trick to spy upon her husband's motives. But Iris, the young wife, is not entirely a malignant figure, for her frail beauty and helplessness make a tender appeal for sympathy. The scene of the novel changes at times from the hub of London life to the peaceful quiet of a country vicarage, whither the father of Iris—a charming scholar—lets fall honeyed words of wisdom and advice or gently chides his over-zealous curate. The author has a strong sense of humour, as well as a great power of dramatic presentment.
⁂ This is an attractively told story with many outstanding features. Hugh Inskip, a prominent man of letters, marries a young wife, whom he does not understand, because she is continually posing and never her natural self. She is also jealous of the beautiful but incapacitated actress, Margaret Stair, for whom Inskip is writing a play, and makes use of an ingenious and shady trick to spy upon her husband's motives. But Iris, the young wife, is not entirely a malignant figure, for her frail beauty and helplessness make a tender appeal for sympathy. The scene of the novel changes at times from the hub of London life to the peaceful quiet of a country vicarage, whither the father of Iris—a charming scholar—lets fall honeyed words of wisdom and advice or gently chides his over-zealous curate. The author has a strong sense of humour, as well as a great power of dramatic presentment.
THE VALLEY OF REGRET.Crown 8vo. 6/-
⁂ etty Feverell's childhood is full of pathos. For the best reason in the world she is unable to capture the sympathy of her supposed father, and runs away to make an imprudent marriage with a very charming but rather weak young man who is addicted to "drink." Fastidious to a degree, this failing does not seem to spoil the gentleness and refinement of his disposition, until, enraged by an insult to his wife, he kills a man in a fit of alcoholic frenzy. With her husband sentenced to penal servitude for seven years, the problem of Betty's life is full of difficulty. After five years a second man, John Earle, wins her love, knowing little or nothing of the obstacles in the way of its fulfilment. Finally, news arrives that the convict will return in a few weeks, and the story ends suddenly and unexpectedly. This is a delightful novel. It has incident and freshness; and the directness of the style gives the book a remarkably artistic impression of life.
⁂ etty Feverell's childhood is full of pathos. For the best reason in the world she is unable to capture the sympathy of her supposed father, and runs away to make an imprudent marriage with a very charming but rather weak young man who is addicted to "drink." Fastidious to a degree, this failing does not seem to spoil the gentleness and refinement of his disposition, until, enraged by an insult to his wife, he kills a man in a fit of alcoholic frenzy. With her husband sentenced to penal servitude for seven years, the problem of Betty's life is full of difficulty. After five years a second man, John Earle, wins her love, knowing little or nothing of the obstacles in the way of its fulfilment. Finally, news arrives that the convict will return in a few weeks, and the story ends suddenly and unexpectedly. This is a delightful novel. It has incident and freshness; and the directness of the style gives the book a remarkably artistic impression of life.
BY MRS. JOHN LANE.
KITWYK.Crown 8vo. 6/-
A Story with numerous illustrations byHoward Pyle,Albert SternerandGeorge Wharton Edwards.
Times—"Mrs. Lane has succeeded to admiration, and chiefly by reason of being so much interested in her theme that she makes no conscious effort to please.... Everyone who seeks to be diverted will read 'Kitwyk' for its obvious qualities of entertainment."
Times—"Mrs. Lane has succeeded to admiration, and chiefly by reason of being so much interested in her theme that she makes no conscious effort to please.... Everyone who seeks to be diverted will read 'Kitwyk' for its obvious qualities of entertainment."
THE CHAMPAGNE STANDARD.Crown 8vo. 6/-