A Duchess in Difficulties. By Major Arthur Griffiths. (F. V.
White and Co. 6s.)—Nothing but the verve and "go" with which the "difficulties" of the Duchess are treated could possibly excuse the vulgarity and absurdity of this story. But, vulgar or not, the work to some degree carries its readers with it. Though the manners of the aristocracy as depicted by Major Griffiths cannot but provoke a smile, still the book will probably be finished, or nearly finished, if once the first chapters, before the chase of the Duchess begins, can be overcome. We note that the author is a soldier, and is therefore presumably. acquainted with military etiquette. Our civilian pen will accordingly refrain from comment on what at first sight seems the extraordinary conduct of Captain Loftus, of the Scarlet Hussars, who manoeuvred his troop on the march entirely for the convenience of the Duchess, and then sent a casual message to the chief that he was about to "fall out." No doubt these things are always done when gallant Hussars chance to come across "a Duchess in difficulties."
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