RECOLLECTIONS OF GUY DE MAUPASSANT.
Recollections of Guy de Maupassant. By his valet Francois. Translated by Mina Round. (John Lane. 10s. 6d. net.)—It would be difficult not to feel a prejudice at the outset against such a volume as this. The reminiscences of a distinguished French author by his valet seem only too likely to contain the quintessence of all that is objectionable in a modern biography. It must be admitted, however, that on the whole Francois' recol- lections fail to justify such anticipations. The writer is especially to be commended for his complete success in keeping himself in the backgrcund of his story. And though the incidents described are, for the most part, of slight importance, yet the impression they give of Maupassant is a vivid and pleasing one. The portrait, more- over, is of a most engaging personality, and the traits which are perhaps the most emphasized are his affection for cats and devotion to yachting. Maupassant's sorrow at the death of his favourite cat Piroli ' will appeal to cat lovers ; and what yachtsman will not
share Maupassant's indignation when a rich American offered him a steam yacht ? " I was polite to his messenger," he exclaimed, "but what could the millionaire think of me when he made me this proposal ? Was he dreaming or was he drunk ? "
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