“The ford in question connects the lands of an old-fashioned peer with those of a new soap-boiler, and its use gives cause for a feud between the houses. On this basis it is clear that a love affair between the millionaire’s son and the peer’s daughter is, as the doctors say, indicated. But the peer’s middle-aged cousin and heir, Paul Gleddayne, unwittingly introduces complication. He had loved the soap-boiler’s wife, and Mr. Legge very frankly tells us that Ralph Harrold, the jeune premier, might have been Paul Gleddayne’s son, though he happens not to be. Paul at any rate is very fond of him for his dead mother’s sake, and is distressed to find himself in the young man’s way alike in politics and love.”—Sat. R.
“The cynical indifference with which he depicts the lax morality of his men and women detracts much from an otherwise admirable piece of work.”
| + — | Acad. 68: 947. S. 16, ‘05. 370w. |
“It displays close observation and an unusual knowledge of life, and tells its story in excellent style, terse and graceful. The characters are drawn with vigor, and altogether the book is quite out of the ordinary in both its plot and its workmanship. While it is interesting, however, it fails to compel interest.”
| + — | N. Y. Times. 10: 707. O. 21, ‘05. 300w. |
“There is a pervasive air of marital infidelity about the book which should make it popular. Mr. Legge labours his points unnecessarily, and might with advantage refrain from working up to very obvious epigrams.”
| — + | Sat. R. 100: 345. S. 9, ‘05. 300w. |
“His novel is only incidentally melodramatic, and primarily appeals to the reader as a study in character, not as a sensational romance. A book which is characterized more by charm than by strength.”
| + | Spec. 95: 323. S. 2, ‘05. 730w. |
Lent, Edward Burcham. Being done good. [*]$1.25. Brooklyn Daily Eagle.