CORK THE CONQUEROR. By Jocelyn C. Lea. (Jarrold's. 7s. 6d.)—When
Hiram P. Cork and his motor car fell over the seabank upon that " l'il English wild rosebud," Evelyn Waterlogge, he initiated a wild farce of metamorphosis for her stately Old English family. Purists might say that Hiram P.'s slang is slightly exaggerated, and psychologists murmur that there is no chiaroscuro in his character. As an elemental force Hiram is superb ; and, if you are in no mood for subtleties (as why should you be, among so much sunshine and sea air and rose-garden ?), you will find him unflaggingly funny. In a very brief time the too-dominating Lady Waterlogge was swept into a rest-home, Sir Hildebrand was reading the novels he wanted and taking an interest in his villagers, Oswald had given up monocles for motors, Godfrey was showing talent for the Secret Service of his Mends, and Evelyn was flirting. But the great event was the Pageant, which brought on the scene the delightful if sophisticated Jane, who alone was a match for Hiram. The story speeds from episode to episode like Oswald's motor ; and every new character adds to the general hilarity. Perhaps Lady Waterlogge's " boss-complex," as Hiram calls it, vanishes a little too easily ; but in this atmosphere of gay good humour all things are plausible. Of course, Hiram gathers the English rosebud, which also seems plausible while the mirth holds.
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