LITERAL NOTES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVIII, Issue 11334, 30 July 1897, Page 2

LITERAL NOTES.

[Correspondent “ Canterbury Times/’] . • LONDON, June. 12, It is, as many friends of the late E. L. Stevenson are pointing' out, distinctly unfortunate that the appeal for his memorial should be being sent out in this year of universal drain. Still one must hope for the best. The committee very wisely state that they “ desire to importune no one,” but there must be more than enough of those who “ know Eobert Louis Stevenson and appreciate his worth ” who will take care that the scheme—a very modest one —is successfully put through. “My Lord Duke ” Mr B. W. Hornung’s new novel is the best thing the author has done since “A Bride from the Bush,” which, indeed, this story bears a strong resemblance t 0... In the' latter, you recollect, it was a young Australian girl whose unconventional mannersplayed havoc with the sensibilities of her English relations. In “My Lord Duke" it is arough bushman who chines into a great family as its head, and introduces himself to ; society by getting looked up for ,violent riding. Happy Jack (as he was called before he became Duke of St Osmunds) is, however, a capital fellow, and perfectly consistent throughout. One feels, however, very sorry for the deposed Claude, who behaves admirably, and is shabbily treated all. the way round.

Dr Conan Doyle was, according, to the Academy, asked to finish Louis Stevenson’s “St Ives,” but refused. Tho task was then handed over to Mr Quiller'Coucli (“ Q.”) Mr James Payn, in the Illustrated London Neivs, greets tho announcement of the rounding-off of “St Ives” with considerable enthusiasm, and no doubt this approval of an old literary hand will be appreciated by Mr Couch, more particularly as so many people have expressed their disapproval of this contemplated completion of another man’s work.

A “Shakspere Birthday Book” is to most people sufficient of a nightmare when they have undertaken to write their names in it, biit when it descends to a birthday book with ; quotations from •some humorous writer the (Unpleasantness of the ordeal is trebled. Mark Twain's Birthday Book always, struck me. as ■ bad enough to war-; rant anyone requiring a.guarantee.of a birthday present for.undergoing the ordeal; but this book has been put entirely in the shade by “ Jorroek’s Birthday Book,” which has just been published. As ;completed works Surtee’s novels are recognised’as very fine, but when levied on for quotations for a birthday book the work had better have been left alone' unless something better can'be selected than such vulgarities as these:—"Her legs have shrunk to nothing .at all,” “ Curse the old fool, what can she want with me ?” “My eye, she’s a fat ’un” and “Has a rheumatic affection in one of her hind legs.” Speaking of Mark Twain reminds me that it is said that Mark is strong in his faith as to the merits of the book of travels on which he is at work, a successor to the “ Tramp Abroad.” He, affirms that “ho would not trade it for any book he has ever written.” . ■

Mr Max O’Eell, whose lectures throughout Australasia three or four years ago seemed fairly successful, has been appearing in . his own play. On the Continong, at Birmingham and Manchester. At "the 'former-place he came in-’for considerable praise,.and'if one may judge by : the following, he is not doing, so badly at the latter. “ Those familiar with his platform efforts,” said the Manchester Guardian, "will not need to be told of the marked

effect of his humorous sallies, and will not have failed to observe how subtly he introduces clever dramatic touches to adorn his tale. But few would be quite prepared for the extent of Max O’RelTs as an actor. That he should.have-perfect control of his voice might, of course, have been surmised. The surprising part was the discretion, the control,'and the certainty of his comedy method. His technique was as admirable as that of an actor who has gained his experience in the best schools.” “ Paul’s Stepmother,” by Lady Troubridge is in great demand at the libraries, I’m sure I don’t understand why, for it is written on exceedingly familiar lines. As soon as we read of Paul Wallender’s wrath at his old father’s marriage to a young girl we know what w.o are. in for. Of course, he and his stepmother will begin by quarrelling violently and, equally of " course, end by loving each other desperately. The sola doubt one can. have is which of the trio the author will kill to end the novel. The old husband and father usually dies, but. Lady Troubfidge prefers to wipe out her heroine with heart'disease;,. . ‘ ' 1 The newest novelist discovered -by Macmillans is Sir William Magnay, Bait., whose “Fall of a Star,” I have just finished reading. The story relates: in somewhat sumptuous style the misadventures of a rising political magnate named Carstairs, who is accidently observed; by,, a couple of casual visitors murdering,-with electricity, ah inconvenient young' woman. The horrified onlookers constitute themselves detectives and endeavour to- discover the full facts. Whilst doing so. Oafstairs suspects and endeavours to poison one of them. He fails, however, is finally hunted down, and, of course, commits suicide. This sounds crude but it reads better than it sounds. Probably Sir William, dvho is comparatively a young man, will'do better next time.