The Fruitful Vine. By Robert lichens. (T. Fisher Tinwin... 6s.)—One
cannot protest too strongly against the plot of Mr_ Hichens's novel and the measures taken by the heroine, Lady- Cannynge, to provide her husband with the child for whom he- longs so intensely. Surely the most elementary reflection would have convinced her of the fact that domestic happiness cannot be obtained by such means, and that no man, if he were given the- choice, would have his wife's child by another man foisted on him as his own. Dolores Cannynge, however, has worked herself into= such a hysterical state of jealousy and despair that she sees no- better way of trying to-recall/saute her happiness. Fortunately she dies at the birth of the child, and, is spared from seeing the- complete failure of- the object for which she has done wrong. The book is entirely concerned with Roman diplomatic society, Sir Theodore and Lady Cannynge being ex-diplomats, and the other English characters who appear in the book belonging chiefly to- the same category. The novel is very long, and much detailed study is given to the development of the various characters. It is impossible not to wish that so much careful work were not wasted on a theme so detestable.
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