THE SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE. By the Hon. Emily Eden. With an
Introduction by Anthony Eden, M.P. The Rescue Series. Elkin Mathews and Marrot. 7s. 6d.)— The Semi-Attached Couple has already been rescued from oblivion with considerable acclamation; is now followed by The Semi-Detached House, written thirty years later, though p.iblished earlier than the companion volume. It is another amusing comedy in which the actors are of the leisurely and privileged class to which the writer belonged ; and the highly personal kind of gay and teasing humour which keeps it alive does not in the least recall the deadly subtlety of
ane Austen's attack. Young Lady Chester is persuaded take a house in Dulham, the riverside suburb, even while
protests vividly at the notion of close neighbours. The Hopkinson prove to be kind and pleasing people, able to bear even the condescension of a Duchess of St. Maur without losing their heads. The story consists of the daily interchange of amiabilities between the two houses, and the positive reac- tions set up in both by the vulgarities of the Jewish financier family of Baron Sampson. Blanche (Lady Chester) is an attractive creature whose Victorian fragility does not prevent her from excelling in a wayward and whimsical style of conversation—often adopted by up-to-date heroines. The book closes with about four weddings. Within its limits it is a highly entertaining piece of work.
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