10 MARCH 1923, Page 20

This is an old-fashioned American novel. It smacks of Bayard

Taylor. The acid but popular spinster who is the chartered wit of a small society, the dull but beautiful heroine, the immaculate hero and the crowd of God-fearing, food- loving villagers are all with us. It was a joy to read of them —when they were new. The book has a reminiscent charm but we doubt whether many people under fifty will find hall an hour to spare for it.