Margot’s First Novel

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 June 1928, Page 9

Margot’s First Novel

Countess of Oxford & Asquith follows footsteps of Daughter Elizabeth and Writes Society Novel. • .

NOTABLE first novel by Lady Oxford, written when she is more than 60 years of age, has J been published by Cassells (says the “Daily Mail”). It is called "Octavia,” from the name of the heroine, and the scene for the most part is laid in a hunting centre in the English Midlands. The hunting scenes are memorable —vivid, stirring and enthusiastic. The book is full of wit and brilliant description, and the dialogue is closely packed with thought and argument. There are a large number of characters, sharply drawn and distinguished, though most of them speak the same language.

Octavia, when the story opens, is a girl of 17 —emotional, romantic, immensely interested in life, books, people and herself. Her sheltered home, is in the Scottish Border country, but through Rdbin Compton, just twice her age and in love with her in his indolent way, she receives an invitation to the Brabazons at Harbington, and the promise of all the hunting she can wish for. A Loose Horse Her host is dull and stolid, his wife a heartless and calculating flirt. But Octavia finds in riding almost perfect. happiness, and her first day in the hunting field is the most exhilarating so far of her life.

Robin at length proposes to her, and the fox-hunting son of wise and witty Lady Julia Coventry asks through his mother for her hand. The old lady ' delivers a disquisition on love: “Love has different effects upon different men. It makes some confident, others embarrassed: and few men are at their best when they’re in love. “With -women it’s different. With them'love-making is an art which men can never learn, and those who learn it are rotters. “[ married a very dull man, but I was always in love with the wrong ones. I can assure you I was not only grateful but happy. Disreputable society is empty and tiring; and pretty women slide into it with astonishing ease. . . . Lively men are often silly, and serious ones are always heavy.” This most vital and crowded novel will be widely read. Here are some epigrams: “A spinster’s surprise is never benevolent.” “I always try to live up to my income even if I have to borrow money to do it.” “People who aren’t interested in themselves are as dull as ditch-water.”