The Bride's Book. By Mrs. E. T. Cook. (Hodder and
Stoughton. 6s.)—We can imagine it possible that this book may be denounced as a fraud. Its contents do not exactly answer to the expectations that may be caused by its white vellum binding and strings of pale-blue silk. It is, in fact, for the most part a satire, good-tempered and entertaining, indeed, but etill a satire, on feminine weakness. Miranda, who is a society butterfly, is supposed to have had a hand in the producing of the book. From another point of view, she may be said to play the part of a chorus. Then there are other female characters playing their part in the acts of the drama, Lollia, Euphelia, Eustacia (who has a baby while the action is proceeding, and gives occa- sion for much instruction and entertainment), and in a lower rank of life, Mrs. Griggs, a charwoman, with other citizenesses. We are told about proposals, which are divided into classes (as in '4 How Men Propose"), about rejections, engagements, first love, (which is very much snubbed), calls and social duties, early housekeeping, &c. There are plenty of good stories, and now sad then, all the more effective because it is sparingly employed, there is some serious reflection or wise counsel which raises the discussion to a higher level. It is not often that we find so delightful a volume as The Bride's Book.
Previous page
