The Pinch of Prosperity. By Horace Annesley Vaehell. (John Murray.
6s.)—The plot of this novel is founded on the likeness between two twin sisters, of whom the author might say with Antonio, "An apple, cleft in two, is not more twin Than these two creatures." But in mind and character the young ladies by no means resemble each other. Unfortunately, at a crisis in the sentimental history of both, they change names for fun, and afterwards think it necessary to continue the comedy. The moral of the book is conveyed by its title, Mr. Vachell being of opinion that prosperity exercises a corrosive influence on the character. And yet many people afflicted with riches have strong characters, and a lean banking account is by no means synonymous with a balance in a more important though less accessible ledger. Probably the truth is that, as far as character is concerned, "it is no mean happiness to be seated in the mean." As for the twin heroines of this novel, their riches have no definite effect on their dispositions, because, as the author is careful to point out, one is in character the child of their father, and one the child of their mother. The husbands, however, are not improved by their wives' riches,—but, after all, if a man fails to resist the particular temptation which lies in his path, have we any special ground for imagining that he would have held out against a different temptation ? It is an undoubted fact that prosperity agrees with the moral nature of some people, just as others are strengthened and softened by adversity. Mr. Vachell's book is entertaining, but not specially illuminative as a study of men.
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