OLD PYBUS. By Warwick Deeping. (Cassell. 75. 6d.) -Old Pybus
is a little too good to be true. But many readers may be the happier on that account to meet him. He is the " Boots " of a Berkshire country hotel, and there is a Dicken- sian atmosphere about the inn and its trusted "John," with his venerable head and thoughtful face, full of the humility of service, yet resolute in his pride." John, who has himself seen palmier days as a bookseller, has two successful sons, wholly alien to him in temperament. Conrad and Sir Probyn Pybus are known to the world as "Shipping and Shoddy." While their father, with his sturdy independence, represents philosophical, inward contentment, they stand for materialistic vulgarity, though Sir Probyn, during the course of the story; changes sharply for the :better. Sir Probyn has a sensitive son, Lance, who, recoiling from Big Business and •shain gentility, pines for Grub Street. Accidentally he overhears the secret- of his grandfather's existence, which his parents have tried to keep dark. Seeking out John, he finds in him the sympathy he craves, and John plays the good angel to Lance through all the difficult stages of indoleseenee. The friendship between grandfather and grandson is described: with true beauty and pathos, _though the note is sometimes pitched too high. We regret; however, the long and con- ventional account of Lance's indiscretions in London. But Mr. Deeping has a large public to consider, and manages to crowd a little of everything into his canvas. The story will satisfy admirers of Sorrell and Son. Kit Sorrell, by the way, reappears in these motley pages.
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