Concert Pilch. By Frank Denby. (Hutchinson and Co. 6s.)— "Frank
Danby " in this book gives an incisive picture of the Wagners, Sir Hubert and My Lady, recently "arrived" million- aires. Lady Wagner is Sir Hubert's second wife, and Sir Hubert's son and daughter, who have to be exploited for the sake of the family position, are only step-children. The misunderstandings between the heroine, Manuella Wagner, and Lord Lyssons are perhaps a little forced, but there would have been no story had these two young people married each other at the end of Manuella's first season. "Frank Denby's" forte is in minute studies of modern people, and she has given us in this book a whole gallery of successful portraits. The great composer, Harston Migotti, is perhaps the most striking of these, his colossal selfishness being excellently described. Perhaps, indeed, selfishness is the wrong word, for Migotti's absorption in himself is not in his person but in his art. The Bohemian half of the story is better worth reading than the half which deals with great people and great parties, but the whole book is highly accomplished and slightly vulgar.
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