A Matrimonial Mixture, by C. J. Hyne (Ward and Downey),
is a novel which might with advantage have been compressed into one volume, instead of being expanded into three ; for the conver- sations and descriptions with which the rather thin story is padded out, are mainly characterised by that deadly-liveliness of flippant and forced humour which is much more depressing than sober and unpretentious dullness. In plot-construction the book reminds us of those farcical comedies of muddlement which have of late years been so vastly popular among English theatre-goers ; but absurdities which amuse in a play that may be seen, become tiresome rather than entertaining in a novel that has to be read. The heroine, who has been taught that it is her mission in life to marry a man of wealth, engages herself to the impecunious, dis- reputable, and fascinating Maurice Veyn. To avoid unpleasantness, she conceals her engagement, and in order to make her thoroughly comfortable, a certain Dicky Devereux, who is in her confidence, and who has long been her slave, proposes that he shall play in public the part of her accepted lover, and thus effectually throw dust in the eyes of the watchful lookers-on. Various complications, of course, ensue, and finally the unscrupulous Veyn, as was to be expected, jilts Gwen for the wealthy Miss Stubbes, Dicky taking his place as a real instead of a histrionic fiance. The story, it will be seen, is thoroughly absurd; and as Mr. Hyne, in striving after vivacity, does not always escape vulgarity, A Matrimonial Mixture is hardly a book to be praised.
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