"Tue Prisoners or Hartuinc." By J.
D. Beresford. (Collins. 7s. 64.)
For the larger part of this very ug novel Mr. Beresford 1s ting with greater freedom, with geater emphasis on his story and his people, and with less attention to his thesis than he has displayed for some: time.
The story is very simple. A young doctor, working in a Peckham slum, after having endured even more than his share of the war, is suddenly remembered: by wealthy relatives. A—week-end visit is extended, and Arthur Woodroffe finds himself involved in the odd life of Hartling. The Kenyons, who live there, all live on the head of the family, an amazing old man over ninety, who exacts the homage of a chief rather than the affection or gratitude due to a father and grandfather. At Hartling live his daughter, hi son, daughters-in-law, grandchildren; and Arthur finds himself wondering why? Is it simply inertia? Is there some secret they all share and fear to have disclose ed? Is it some strange power exercised by cld Kenyon? He is tyrannical, but generous until any of his subjects wish to leave. He persuades Arthur to stay, to watch to interpret his health, and he hints at a will, complicated, which he
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.