Lord Loveland Discovers America. By C. N and A. M.
William- son. (Methuen and Co. 6s.)---Until he arrives at the last few chapters of Mr. and Mrs. Williamson's new novel the reader will flatter himself that for once these authors have contrived to write a story without making a motor-car one of the principal instruments in the development of the plot; but this self- congratulation will be premature. By an inevitable destiny the heroes of these authors always end by burying themselves in a chauffeur's fur coat and covering their heads with the cap sacred to this profession. Up to the moment when this fate falls upon him, Lord Loveland's adventures are decidedly original and amusing. By a trick on the part of the hero of one of Mr. and Mrs. Williamson's former books, Lord Loveland, who has a good conceit of himself, is made to appear as an impostor in the eyes of all America, and his supplies of cash are completely cut off. He therefore has to try to make a living,—first as a waiter, and then as an actor in a provincial company of "barn-stormers." All these adventures are vivaciously described, and though it is impossible to read of provincial acting without thinking of Nicholas Nickleby and the immortal Crnmmles, the account of the struggles of the theatrical company in the wilds of America is sufficiently original to be entertaining. The best thing in an amusing book, however, is the figure of Isadora Solomon, the daughter of the down-town restaurant-keeper at whose hands Lord Loveland is compelled to seek employment.
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