The Two Duchesses. Edited by Vere Foster. (Blackie and Son.
16s.)—" The world is divided into Herveys and other people." A belief in this well-known saying will not be shaken by a study of the present book, which deals, among other social celebrities of the past, with Elizabeth, Duchess of Devonshire (born a Hervey) and Lord Bristol, the notorious Bishop of Derry. We shall not attempt, even for an instant, to speak of the many controversies, scandalous and other- wise, which circle round the two Duchesses, but will content ourselves with pointing out that the book before us con- tains letters from both Duchesses and also from the Bishop of Derry. There are also letters from Lord and Lady Byron, Lord Aberdeen, and others. Though the letters are not ccmmented on or in any way explained—probably from family reasons—they afford in parts very good reading. The letters of Elizabeth, Duchess of Devonshire are very brightly written, and some of Georgina. Duchess's poetry is sprightly. It is interesting also as showing the beginnings of the romantic spirit. If we do not quite say with Coleridge— "Oh. lady, nursed in pomp and plea.ure, Whore learned you that heroic measure,"
we cannot help wondering how she came to write so feelingly about mountain scenery.
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