SUNSHINE AND SHADOWS OVER A LONG LIFE
By Lady Mary Meynell
Lady Mary Meynell's book (Murray, 12s.) is a social picture pervaded by simple goodness, piety and charm. Its philo- sophy is sound but never deep ; sometimes it is trite. The references to historical events like the Franco-Prussiaii War are merely pale reflections on English life, but Lady Mary can draw a good picture of life in Rome under Pio Nono. In spite of much travel and life in Florence, her book is one of English and Scottish homes. Except for her and her family's parts in the War, it is mainly placid, a picture of good work done by high-minded men and women whose natural task was to be actively good neigh- bours to all around them and who thereby won affection and respect from all. There was no lack of intelligence too in the world of her youth. Her father and brother, Lords Crawford, were the most gifted amateurs of their day in several arts and sciences ; as discerning collectors of rare and beautiful things, they enriched their own and other libraries and museums. Out of London, Haigh and Dunecht were the homes of her childhood ; Hoar Cross and Temple Newsam those of her married life. Without emphasis she makes plain what good those great houses could do. She recognizes that their day is passed, and that the responsibilities of their owners, however nobly fulfilled, are changed. There is no resentment here, only kindliness, charity and affection for old and young. Such an example of a woman's power as that of the hard-working, masterful, magnificent, god-fearing, benevolent autocrat, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Meynell-Ingram, is not likely to rett r.i. Most of the names are familiar and the picture of her brother- in-law, the late Lord Halifax, comes aptly today. The book is illustrated with photographs.
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