The Lapse of Vivien Eady. By Charles Marriott. (Eveleigh Nash.
6s.)—Mr. Marriott's writing is always Much above the average, and in the present book he gives his readers admirable pictures of the coast scenery of Cornwall, combined with excellent character studies. It cannot be honestly said, however, that the personages of the plot are specially interesting. The most attractive person in the story is not the heroine, Vivien Eady, but her mother, for whom the reader cannot help feeling abundant sympathy in her dealings with the abominable and didactic prig who is soon to become her son-in-law. The book is the product of a clever and cultivated mind, but there is not quite enough variety in the plot to sustain the interest of the reader up to the final chapter. To achieve this end, both the heroine, Vivien Eady, and the real hero, who rejoices in the euphonious name of Stott, ought to have been endowed with more engaging qualities than they here exhibit. Still, much may be forgiven to a writer -who, like Mr. Marriott, contrives to convey so true and delightful an impression of the rocky Cornish coast and the great waves breaking at the foot of the cliffs.
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