Current Literature
MEN OF GOOD WILL. BOOK V ; THE PROUD OF HEART By Jules Romains There are virtually only two•themes in this new instalment of Romains' epic (Lovat Dickson, 7s. 6d.), the development of the illicit love affair between Roger Sammecaud and Marie de Champcenais, and the sudden extension of Haverkamp's business interests. Compared with the previous volumes, the alteration of focus is drastic—the cutting-in of a close-up. It cannot be said that there is anything particularly original or inspiring about the author's treatment of the adultery motive, though it was a subtle stroke to make Marie's doubts and hesitations melt away in an atmosphere of maternal solicitude. She reveals to Sammecaud the existence of her half-witted son, and he is so sympathetic and tactful about the whole matter that in a setting of country inns and bed- room fires her last scruples disappear. The longest chapter in this volume describes their visit to England. A foreign country is a severe test for a novelist. It is comparatively easy material to serve out to his compatriots, but it will not often survive the scrutiny of an inhabitant of the country in question. Romains' London (the London of 1909) strikes one as a little sentimental—there is too much emphasis on the hansom-cab and on Rotten Row (" It was in a sporting framework that the charm of Englishwomen was most apparent "). But since it must serve as a setting for the consummation of a passion, this latitude may be appropriate. The other theme, centring on Haverkamp, is developed realistically enough, so perhaps there is a deliberate inten- tion in the juxtaposition of romanticism and realism. Haverkamp, who is every inch an estate agent (even when he visits a brothel), would be pretty dreary if he had no relief. But he is a masterly creation, in the best Balzacian tradition. His property speculations are presented with amazing detail, and detail that is always convincing. Monsieur Romains makes even the analysis of a bottle of mineral water an exciting event. To what fate these characters are drifting we cannot yet guess. The volume leaves us with Marie's discovery that she is enceinte, with implications that cannot be disguised from her husband. She prepares to abandon herself • to the wretchedness which is humanity's common lot." It is May Day, 1909. Haverkamp and his confederates escape from the ominous atmosphere of Paris and enjoy a good luncheon at the inn on their new speculative estate. "They thought about May Day, far away beyond the walls of the inn and the Company's estate, just as you are conscious of a distant drumming ; such as is made, for example, in summer- time by one of those yellowish clouds, right away on the horizon, which lead peasants to say : ' It's hailing some- where.' " It begins to look as though M. Romains' long epic -will culminate in the storm of 1914. Meanwhile we are content to watch the fascinating way in which he makes the disposition of his forces.
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