AUNT ISABEL'S LOVER. By Marion Fox. (John Lane. 7s. 6d.)—The
beginning of this novel, which passes in the fifties and early sixties of the nineteenth century, is more interesting than the rather inconclusive chapters at the end. These leave -the reader in doubt whether the author intended the apparition of Dion Arnicott to be a real man, a telepathic communication, or a ghost. The facts as stated in the story fit neither of these explanations and thus leave a rather unsatisfactory feeling in the reader's mind. The book has, however; a good deal of charm, and "Aunt Isabel" herself is-a romantic and attractive =figure. The society in the cathedral town of Sarumcester with its three generations of solicitors is well sketched, and its rather everyday characteris- tics form a piquant contrast to the phantasy which attaches to Isabel and the old house on the Downs. But, in spite of considerable ability, the book cannot be said to be wholly successful, largely because Miss Fox has obviously not made up her mind as to the quality of her spiritual element.
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