14 APRIL 1928, Page 26

TILE SECOND HOUSE. By Ward Copley. (Gerald 'Howe. 7s. 6d.)-This

is a very mature first novel. It has 'several excellently drawn characters ; it presents a variety of memorable scenes, ranging from. mid-Victorian rural 'England to a Vienna salon and the fever-swamps of Africa ; and it is Written_ with quiet charm and sympathy. The pervading motif is the relationship between SOphy Crosthwaite and her brilliant and attractive but wayward brother, whom she tries to redeem and to whom she remains loyal even when (as it seems) he has become irreclaimable. The theme is one that lends itself to sentimental treatment. But there is no false note in this tender, beautiful; and moving story.