The consort. By Mrs. Everard Cotes (Sara Jeannette Duncan). (Stanley
Paul and Co. 6s.)—This is the story of a middle-aged politician married to a lady who for riches and political influence can only be compared to the late Lady Burdett-Coutts. It must, however, be at once observed that no sort of portrait either of this lady's life or characteristics is intended, as in most respects Mary Pargeter does not in the least resemble her illustrious prototype. As might be expected, Mrs. Cotes gives an extra- ordinarily clever picture of the main situation, and also of a contested election in which Mr. Pargeter is engaged. Unfortu- nately, however, there is a sub-acid flavour in her later writing from which her earlier books were free. Able and witty as the story is, it cannot be called entirely pleasant ; and there is only one character, that of Pamela Pargeter, the daughter of Mr. Pargeter's first marriage, who will be found to be wholly sympathetic.
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