criticism even. You are valiant and original. I am sorry, of course,
sorry for you, sorry for him, for myself, for everyone remotely
concerned. But I am congratulatory too. I congratulate you, him, and
myself. You are prepared for blame of course, for blame from everybody
but your own consciousness and your own father. A young woman who
engages herself to a man, remains engaged for nearly a month and then
“breaks it off” when there is no conventionally agreed-upon cause for
the rupture is, in the eyes of the world, a jilt. It can’t be helped.
It’s no use grumbling. The world will have its labels—and small blame to
it, they spare it the trouble of thinking, of exercising the faculty of
discrimination. And we upon whom its labels are stuck, must just grin and
wear them. Let us see to it that we do grin and wear them—with a grace.
That “subtle something” of which you can’t say more even to me—there
is no need of greater definiteness, I, as always, understand—is the
true, almost the only, irremovable hindrance to happiness in marriage,
the marriage of sensible people. Anything does to make fools unhappy.
It is unpardonable and unforgettable. Unpardonable, because it is not
a deed or even a thought or a look; unforgettable because it is always
there. And the worst of it is, it can by its very nature discover itself
only in intimacy. One has to jump into the water before one finds out
with certainty that one can’t swim. That subtle something, so colossal,
so inexpugnable yet so elusive! What is it? Where is it? Is it in the
blood, or in the brain, or is it some attribute of that unthinkable
but must-be-thought-of entity, the Transcendental Ego? I hate to seem
so grossly materialist, but I think it is in the blood, and will be
discovered some day by chemical analysis, or by an improved microscopy;
caught and put into a little bottle.
At present only something finer than chemical analysis, personal
perceptiveness to wit, can discern it, and it must be the personal
perceptiveness of the one most interested. All the others must needs be
the veriest bunglers. That is why I am not kicking myself to any extent
for having thought, in my blindness, my inevitable blindness, that he was
all right, that he would do. He would have done for me, but how could I
know that he would not have done for you? And yet I did just once have
the vaguest, dimmest, shadowiest ghost of a suspicion that all was not
quite well. It scurried past me that thought, that thought that was not
quite a thought, across the darkness of my mind as a small mouse scurries
across a dark room. It was one night when you had been seeing him off
downstairs and we were all in the drawing-room. When you came back I
caught a look upon your face ... no, something less than that ... just a
flicker across your lips ... and it made me uneasy, gave me a tiny twinge
in that rickety old heart of mine, it kept me awake for an hour or two,
as a mouse, fidgeting, has often done.
I am glad of one thing though; that except in the matter of which I
could not judge, I did not judge him wrongly. He _is_ made of the right
stuff. I had a letter from him last night—a letter from a man to a man.
He doesn’t whine, he doesn’t rage, he doesn’t wrangle. He doesn’t even
complain. He accepts the inevitable. I think the final test of a man
is his attitude in face of the inevitable. I will never show you that
letter—of course you would not wish it. I feel in a curious way as though
it were I and not you who had hurt him.
Once more then, my daughter, you are right. You have done well. Let no
misgivings on that point ever gnaw or even nibble. There are not many
things that can justify the breach of a betrothal deliberately entered
upon. That subtle something is one of them. Had the case been reversed,
had it been he instead of you who had made the discovery, I should have
said the same.
Now let the subject be dropped for ever. We will not even refer to it,
no, not by a look, when you come home next week.
Your approving
FATHER.
THE END
* * * * *
Camp Fires in the Canadian Rockies.
BY WILLIAM T. HORNADAY.
_With 70 illustrations, from photographs taken by JOHN M. PHILLIPS, and
two maps._
_Demy 8vo, 16s. net._
This is the narrative, racy, unconventional, and full of adventurous
interest, of an expedition which Mr. Hornaday and Mr. Phillips, the
latter a famous mountain climber and camera expert, made into the
well-nigh inaccessible mountains of British Columbia in search of the
elusive mountain goats and mountain sheep. The expedition was in every
way successful, one of its results being a series of extraordinarily
interesting and valuable photographs of the mountain goat, taken under
great difficulties and dangers at short range. Grizzly bears and other
big game were incidents of the chase. Mr. Hornaday’s story of the
expedition is full of freshness, charm, and racy humour.
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
Literary London.
BY ELSIE M. LANG.
With Introduction by G. K. CHESTERTON.
_42 Illustrations by W. J. Roberts._
_Crown 8vo, Cloth gilt, 6s. net._
The object of this book is to add interest to rambles in London by a
careful alphabetical record of the homes and haunts of the distinguished
literary men and women who are no longer living. In many cases, as is
duly noted, the houses themselves are still standing; in others the
sites are definitely pointed out, and short extracts are given from
biographies, showing with what particular events in the lives of their
occupants these residences are identified. London is full of memories,
and this volume is an ideal guide book to its literary landmarks.
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
The Night Side of London.
BY ROBERT MACHRAY.
_With 95 Pictures by_ TOM BROWNE, R.I., R.B.A.
_1s. net._
PREFACE.
PICCADILLY CIRCUS (11 P.M. TO 1 A.M.).
IN THE STREETS.
IN THE STREETS—_continued_ (RATCLIFF HIGHWAY).
“IN SOCIETY.”
STILL “IN SOCIETY.”
NOT “IN SOCIETY.”
AN EAST END MUSIC HALL.
EARL’S COURT.
THE MASKED BALL.
THE SHILLING HOP.
CLUB LIFE.
A SATURDAY NIGHT WITH THE “SAVAGES.”
WITH THE “ECCENTRICS” (3 A.M.).
“LA VIE DE BOHÈME.”
SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE NEW LYRIC.
A “NIGHT CLUB.”
THE NATIONAL SPORTING CLUB.
A SCHOOL FOR NEOPHYTES.
“WONDERLAND.”
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT ST. PAUL’S.
THE HOPPERS’ SATURDAY NIGHT.
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
_JUST PUBLISHED._
_A Long Complete Novel by_ VICTORIA CROSS.
Life’s Shop Window.
A brilliant young girl awakening into womanhood views herself, and
determines that her beauty shall get her anything she wants from the
World. She looks into “Life’s Shop Window” and surveys all that her
beauty entitles her to. What she buys from Life is brilliantly told by
Victoria Cross, in the longest and most important book that remarkable
and talented author has yet written.
_Price 6s._
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
What Men Like in Women.
BY E. J. HARDY,
Author of “How to be Happy Though Married.”
_Crown 8vo. 1s. net, Paper. 2s. gross, Cloth._
“THE MURRAY OF MATRIMONY—THE BAEDEKER OF BLISS.”
An interesting and useful book for young people entering, or about to
enter, the marriage state. Mr. Hardy is an expert on this question, and
his book is packed with useful information and advice, and leavened with
many good stories.
How to Live the Simple Life.
BY CALVIN PATER.
_Crown 8vo, Paper, 1s. net._
CONTENTS:
I. THE NEW CRUSADE.
II. THE SIMPLE-SELFISH LIFE.
III. THE WISDOM OF WAGNER.
IV. THE STOMACH.
V. THE SOUL.
VI. THE MIND.
VII. THE BODY.
VIII. MAMMON AND MANNERS.
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
Six Women.
By VICTORIA CROSS.
_Price 6s._
_THE QUEEN says of Victoria Cross’s “Six Women”_:
“What is so marked in these stories is the beauty of the writing. Her
atmosphere is delightful. The Eastern stories are full of the colour and
the atmosphere of the East. No one can do anything but envy the author’s
touch in the description of Eastern buildings and gardens. It makes no
difference to Victoria Cross whether she is writing of India or Damascus
or Omdurman, she invests them all with an atmosphere which is not only
enchanting but carries the stamp of truth on it.”
_LITERARY WORLD_:
“Full of powerful writing and fertile imagination.”
_SCOTSMAN_:
“Studies in the passions of love and jealousy admirably arranged.”
_MADAME_:
“‘Six Women’ is written with the artistic touch which is associated
with the best French fiction, and which is too often lacking in English
novels. It is only the prudish and the prurient who will object to ‘Six
Women.’”
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
T. WERNER LAURIE’S
Cathedral Series.
This Series is probably the most artistic, scholarly, complete, and cheap
set of books yet published. Infinite pains have been expended on every
branch of reproduction employed.
“The Daily News” said of the “Cathedrals of Northern France”:—“In paper,
print, binding, and reproduction, this record is a joy to the reader.”
SOME OPINIONS OF THE PRESS ON “THE CATHEDRALS OF ENGLAND AND WALES.”
“Of each Cathedral an admirable historical sketch is given, detailing its
architectural growth, and the volumes make admirable handbooks for those
who wish to study our English Cathedrals intelligently.”—_Literary World._
“Mr. Bumpus’ book is a valuable guide in the case of these buildings, not
only describing them very fully, but also pointing out what parts of them
are original and what new. Mr. Laurie is to be heartily congratulated
on this series, which is illustrated by numerous plates from good
photographs.”—_Athenæum._
“Mr. Bumpus’ style has a refreshing air of the enthusiastic
ecclesiologist, and of that ‘Domine, dilexi decorum domus Tuæ,’ which is
ill replaced by the cold professionalism of the mere expert.”—_Saturday
Review._
“The description of St. Paul’s, surrounded by the City church steeples,
is a magnificent tribute to Wren.”—_Yorkshire Post._
LIST OF SERIES.
1. The Cathedrals of Northern France. By FRANCIS MILTOUN. With 80
illustrations from original drawings, and many minor decorations, by
BLANCHE MCMANUS. 1 vol., decorative cover, 7¾ × 5¼ × 1⅜. Cloth gilt,
6_s._ net.
2. The Cathedrals of Southern France. By FRANCIS MILTOUN. Cloth gilt,
6_s._ net.
*3, 4, 5. The Cathedrals of England and Wales. By T. FRANCIS BUMPUS,
Author of “Summer Holidays Among the Glories of France.” With many plates
and minor decorations, and specially designed heads and tailpieces to
each chapter. 3 vols., 8vo, decorative cover, cloth gilt, 6_s._ net each;
in leather, 10_s._ 6_d._ net per vol.
*6. The Cathedrals of Northern Germany and the Rhine. By T. FRANCIS
BUMPUS. With many plates and minor decorations. 8vo, cloth gilt, 6_s._
net; leather, 10_s._ 6_d._ net.
7. The Cathedrals of Northern Spain. By CHARLES RUDY. Many illustrations.
6_s._ net.
8. The Cathedrals of Northern Italy. By T. F. BUMPUS. 6_s._ net. 40
plates. [_In preparation_
* _These volumes are issued also in leather binding (bound by the Oxford
Press) at 10s. 6d. each net._
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
_RECENT NOVELS. 6s. each._
The Cubs.
By SHAN F. BULLOCK. 6_s._
Six Women.
By VICTORIA CROSS. 6_s._
The Poison Dealer.
By GEORGES OHNET. 6_s._
Thurtell’s Crime.
By DICK DONOVAN. 6_s._
Rowena.
By AGNES GIBERNE. 6_s._
The Mummy and Miss Nitocris.
By GEORGE GRIFFITH. 6_s._
_Three Books by James Huneker._
Melomaniacs. 6_s._
Visionaries. 6_s._
Iconoclasts: A Book of Dramatists. 6_s._ _net._
Illuminating critical studies of modern revolutionary playwrights.
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
_The Novel Of The Season._
The Sinews of War.
BY EDEN PHILLPOTTS AND ARNOLD BENNETT.
_With cover design by Charles E. Dawson. 6s._
A thrilling story of mystery and imagination. It is an attempt to show
how, given immense histrionic genius, a man without principle might
use it to the confusion of Society and be responsible for seemingly
inexplicable mysteries. The romance deals with modern days in London, and
a phase of life hidden largely from Londoners themselves. An astonishing
murder opens the way to the story, and the coroner’s inquest introduces
to the reader one of the most original characters in modern sensational
fiction. From the lodging-houses, clubs, and theatres of the metropolis,
the scene changes to London Docks, thence to mid-ocean, and finally to
the West Indies. There the mystery of “The Sinews of War,” becomes at
last unravelled and a title that will puzzle the reader until the end, is
explained.
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
_TWO BOOKS BY LOUIS BECKE._
Sketches in Normandy.
BY LOUIS BECKE,
Author of “By Reef and Palm.”
_Illustrated, Cloth gilt, 6s._
It is quite a new departure for Mr. Louis Becke to take as his theme
stories of Normandy life, but his three years’ wanderings along the
coasts of Normandy and Brittany, and among the fisher-folk, has resulted
in his giving us some charming and amusing pictures.
Notes from my South Sea Log.
BY LOUIS BECKE.
_Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 6s. net._
An account of Mr. Becke’s sporting and fishing adventures whilst
supercargo in the South Seas, together with many notes on the habits and
superstitions of the Islanders.
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
“_The Up To Date Doctor._”
Modern Medicine for the Home.
BY ERNEST WALKER, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. (Lond.)
_Crown 8vo, Paper 1/- net. Cloth 1/6 net._
This work is scientific and up to date; all technical and misleading
terms are omitted, and the diseases are classified alphabetically and
under their popular names.
The treatment is scientific and simple and nothing is advised that cannot
be carried out at home.
The description of complicated symptoms and treatment is avoided.
The signs of severe illnesses are given, so that the disease may be
recognised and the patient comforted by simple home remedies till skilled
help is obtained.
The want of a little medical or surgical knowledge has led to the loss
of many lives which might have been saved, and this book conveys to the
unskilled reader in a few trenchant and simple sentences the best way to
act in all emergencies.
An invaluable volume and one which ought to be in every home library.
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
_THE MUSIC LOVER’S LIBRARY._
VOL. I.
Chats on Violins.
BY OLGA RACSTER.
_Fully Illustrated. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d. net._
Under this title are grouped a series of pleasant chats telling the early
history of the violin, and also dealing with all the better known forms
of the violin. All the great makers, from Gaspar di Salo, Maggini, Amati,
to Stradivarius are described, the whole being interspersed with many
anecdotes about makers and players, and useful chapters on violin music
and playing.
The pictures are delightfully uncommon, comprising as they do the
representations of all the ancient members of the violin family from the
ninth century. The whole work is full of interesting information and is
written in a bright and unconventional manner.
Stories from the Operas.
BY GLADYS DAVIDSON.
_Illustrated. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d._
_First Review._
“Each Opera is adequately and interestingly dealt with. It
is the best book of its kind we have seen.”—_Sheffield Daily
Independent._
A charming series of tales arranged from the Grand Operas. Few people
seem to know the actual stories contained in the great music dramas of
Wagner and others.
Most of them are very beautiful and interesting, and this volume contains
twenty of the more popular tales simply written and in accordance with
the libretto.
_IN PREPARATION_:
Vol. III. “Chats on the Violoncello.” OLGA RACSTER.
Vol. IV. “Chats with Music Lovers.” DR. PATTERSON.
Vol. V. “Stories from the Operas.” Second Series.
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
_NEW NOVELS. 6s. each._
The Last Miracle.
By M. P. SHIEL.
This long-since-promised novel of Mr. M. P. Shiel is the third of the
trilogy of novels which commenced with the “Lords of the Sea,” and was
continued by the much-translated “Purple Cloud,” all the three purporting
to be the words dropped from the lips of a clairvoyant in her swoons, as
memorandumed in the note-books of her doctor.
A Russian Coward.
By FRED WHISHAW.
The story gives a vivid picture of the corruption of the Grand Dukes
and Army Contractors, and is altogether a thrilling, sensational, and
unhackneyed story.
The Financier’s Wife.
By FLORENCE WARDEN.
Miss Warden takes the City for her theme, and her story is reminiscent of
a recent financial crash which paralysed Lombard Street for some time.
The character of the great financial magnate is wonderfully drawn, and
the description of his downfall is most graphically told.
A Widow by Choice.
By CORALIE STANTON and HEATH HOSKEN.
The principal action of this story takes place in Italy—in Florence
and near Perugia; and the book is a human document peopled with living
characters. Readers who want a glowing and absorbing story of Italy
should get this book.
A King’s Wife.
By HÉLÈNE VACARESCO.
_Crown 8vo. Cloth. Decorated Cover. 6s._
This is a novel which will assuredly create a great sensation. The
brilliant authoress was barely 18 when the Academy crowned her first
volume of poems, “Chants d’Aurore.”
The close friendship between the Queen of Roumania, Carmen Sylva, and
Hélène Vacaresco is well known, and also the romance of the projected
marriage between the young poet and the royal prince of Roumania; this
project was abandoned for State reasons, but it created an idyllic and
legendary atmosphere round the authoress.
Her book, while pure fiction, may be said to mirror the mode of living
and sentiments of certain royal personages, and probably no more intimate
picture of Court Life from the inside has ever been published. It is a
story full of passion and interest.
The Salving of a Derelict.
By MAURICE DRAKE.
The _Daily Mail_ offered a prize of £100 for the best novel, and over 600
competitors sent in manuscripts. The prize was awarded to this thrilling
and romantic adventure story.
Lucy of the Stars.
By FREDERICK PALMER.
With Four Illustrations.
FIRST REVIEWS.
“Delightful reading—the study of the central figure is work of
which the author may well be proud.”—_Country Life._
“This is a remarkably clever novel, and Lucy is as delightful a
personage as any of recent fiction.”—_Dundee Advertiser._
“We have not recently read anything which left upon us so
profound an impression of the writer’s ability.”—_Glasgow
Herald._
“Far above the average.”—_Birmingham Post._
“Good, sincere, and readable.”—_Belfast N. Whig._
The Arncliffe Puzzle.
By GORDON HOLMES.
A Thrilling Detective Romance of Love, Mystery, and Murder.
FIRST REVIEWS.
“An exceptionally ingenious murder mystery.”—_Literary World._
“The book must be read at a sitting; it is impossible to lay it
down until it is finished.”—_Madame._
“The characters are well contrasted—the solution emotionally
effective.”—_Athenæum._
“This vivacious and attractive record.”—_Glasgow Herald._
“Stirring and well contrived.”—_Morning Leader._
“Spirited and well written—a thoroughly readable
book.”—_Speaker._
“What one looks for are a strong plot, sustained interest, and
good situations, and Mr. Holmes gives these to his readers in
full measure.”—_Manchester Guardian._
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
_5th Thousand now ready, with additional Chapters on MISERY BRIDGE AND
SPECIMEN HANDS._
THE NEW LAWS OF BRIDGE AND COMMENTS THEREON.
The Complete Bridge Player
BY EDWYN ANTHONY (“CUT CAVENDISH”).
_Crown 8vo, 244 pages, 2s. 6d. net._
A bright and cheery guide, carrying the reader through Bridge in all its
varying stages, and finally landing him on the high road to success.
Although the treatise will be readily understood by beginners, the more
advanced player will derive considerable pleasure and profit from a study
of its contents.
The arrangement of the book is excellent, its advice sound and
practicable, and attention to its precepts should qualify the reader as
an expert in the game.
The chapters on Dummy, Cut Throat, Auction, Duplicate, Progressive,
and Misery Bridge will also no doubt be widely appreciated, whilst the
revised laws of the game are included in the volume.
INTRODUCTION. A VOCABULARY OF BRIDGE. HOW TO PLAY THE GAME. A FIRST
LESSON IN BRIDGE. THE DECLARATION IN NO TRUMPS. THE PLAY IN NO TRUMPS.
A RED SUIT DECLARATION. A BLACK SUIT DECLARATION. THE PLAY TO A SUIT
DECLARATION. THE DOUBLE AND REDOUBLE. THE ORIGINAL LEAD. THE FINESSE AND
THE DISCARD. THE PLAY OF THE HAND. SOME BRIDGE MAXIMS. PENALTIES, AND
WHEN TO ENFORCE THEM. ETIQUETTE OF THE GAME. ENGLISH AND AMERICAN CODES.
THE NEW LAWS OF BRIDGE. DUMMY BRIDGE. CUT THROAT BRIDGE. AUCTION BRIDGE.
PROGRESSIVE BRIDGE. DUPLICATE BRIDGE. SPECIMEN HANDS. MISERY BRIDGE.
_T. Werner Laurie, Clifford’s Inn, London._
* * * * *
LADY JIM OF CURZON STREET. By FERGUS HUME, author of “The Mystery of a
Hansom Cab.” Cover design by Charles E. Dawson. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 6s.
While this is a smart Society novel in place of his more
familiar detective work, Mr. Hume gives his readers plenty of
mystery and excitement from his first page to his last, and
they will find in the book just those qualities which have made
his work so popular.
PLAYING THE KNAVE. By FLORENCE WARDEN, author of “The House on the
Marsh.” Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
A LINDSAY’S LOVE. A Tale of the Tuileries and the Siege of Paris. By
CHARLES LOWE, author of “A Fallen Star,” etc. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 6s.
“I can recommend this book to all readers who appreciate a
fresh and vigorous story of romance and war, told with a
freshness of touch which is becoming more and more rare in
modern fiction.”—_T. P.’s Weekly._
THE BELL AND THE ARROW. An English Love Story, By NORA HOPPER (Mrs. Hugh
Chesson). Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
“Mrs. Chesson is to be congratulated on her first novel.
This is a book of great promise and of a considerable
performance.”—_Athenæum._
CONFESSIONS OF A YOUNG MAN. By GEORGE MOORE, author of “Esther Waters,”
“The Mummer’s Wife,” “Evelyn Innes,” etc. A new edition, revised, and
with a new foreword. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
“It is difficult to convey a sense of the book’s brilliance in
a brief review. His style has the delicious freshness of youth.
His paragraphs reveal blossom after blossom, with a promise
of a rarer beauty yet to come at each full stop.”—_Manchester
Guardian._
_SECOND PRINTING._
THE WILD IRISHMAN. By T. W. H. CROSLAND, author of “The Unspeakable
Scot,” “Lovely Woman,” etc. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 5s.
CONTENTS: Disthressful—The Shillelagh—Blarney—Whiskey—The
Patriot—Orangemen—The Low Scotch—Priestcraft—Morals—Pretty
Women—The London Irish—Tom Moore—Mr. W. B.
Yeats—Wit and Humour—More Wit and Humour—Dirt—The
Tourist—Potatoes—Pigs—Emigration.