The Story of Bien. By Dolf Wyllarde. (W. Heinemann. Gs.)
—The author of this book thinks it necessary in a footnote to disclaim responsibility for the opinions expressed by his characters. It is, however, manifestly impossible that he should shirk the responsibility for their very remarkable morals. The scene of the story is laid at Wynberg, at a time, roughly speak- ing, between the Jameson Raid and the outbreak of the war. We must presume that Wynberg is the Eden referred to in the title, and in this case it is obvious that the most active member of the original trio in Eden is kept exceedingly busy. It is a pity that " Dolf 1Vyllarde " should have thought it necessary to develop his heroine's character by the particular means he has chosen, for the book is interesting from the mere date and mise en- scene, and the writing pleasant and occasionally almost brilliant. The men are all, however, rather terrible persons. In particular. the good and privileged young man of the book, who fetches and carries for every one, makes a habit of addressing his women friends as "Lady." A 'bus conductor says "Lady" as a matter of course, but we should not have thought it a form of address worthy of imitation. " Dolf " shows considerable cleverness in getting the climatic conditions of South Africa "over the footlights." The reader is given a real feeling of the brilliant sunshine and exhilarating air. But the book is more than a little vulgar, and the characters, though living, are not attractive.
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