New-York tribune., 1922-11-05
HER UNwELcoME HUSBAND. BY w.
l.. George. Harper g. Bros.

l., George. Harper & Bros.
A REPUTATION is equally hard
"a to live up to or to live down.
1t may be his own fault that
4 for some years past w. l..
George has not been ap-
praised on his merits as novelist, but
On his pretensions as a. student or
savant of feminine psychology; but at
times this classification is unduiy hard
upon him. Mr.. Georges fictionsl gift
la authentic and unmistakable, though
humanity liable to imperfections. On
the other hand, it is evident enough
that his knowledge of women is no
more extensive than that of any aver
age observant person, for IL it We're
1t would be taken for granted, and only
the use made of it would receive at
tention. That is the case with George
Moore, who really does know an un-
canny lot about women, SO much that
he can create them, instead Of general
izing about them, and SO argument be
comes absurd. Moreover, Mr. Moore
pursued wisdom humbly, not with in
tent to teach his teachers.
So 1t would seem that if the critics
have been led astray in regard to Mr..
Georges work they only followed him,
aThe Second Blooming" was judged,
and praised, as well rounded social
study, rather than series of exhibits
of captive ladies. That book marked
the height of Mr.. Georges achievement
to date and the beginning Of retro
gression which eliminated In Ursula
Trent" 1t had to cuiminate there, that
being the lowest deep. It is pleasant
10 see him now take q step backward
and upward, with "Her Unwelcome
Husband"
The title alone will warn the acute
reader that the story is net equal to
"The Second Blooming" A makeshift
title, mere working title" He
could have invented better one,
surely, If he had been at pains to do
so. so the story could have gained
several cubits in artistic stature by
the author taking little more thought.
The theme is interesting, and the plot,
so far as it is developed, is dramatic.
But neither is quite worked out to the
end.
The problem, stated is not an un-
common one, especially under the
English law. Mrs. Caldecot. the hero
Inc. is thoroughly nice woman, not
even "at heart a rake" but married to
one. Her husband deserted her for no
reason but to follow his own loose
inclinations more freely, yet she could
not easily get divorce: probably at
arst she was too disil!usioned to de-
sirs one. But being young and charm
nag and lonely in course of time she
fell in love again. We see her, in the
hrst chapter, at the age Of thirty-eight,
beginning TO be anxious about her
future with her lover.
She has reason enough, as imme-
diate1y appears, Rodbourne, the lover,
not At all bad sort, is not exactly
tired Of her, but perhaps he is little
tired OF his condition Of man neither
bound nor free; and he has begun to
fall in love with young girl Mrs.
Gsldecot catches him In the act of
kissing the girl, for the first time, be
it said, and with great pride and Dig
nifty she releases him Internationally
from all obligation to her, bids him
marry and live happy ever after. Not
an easy thing to do: but she is Ii
woman Of character and makes him see
that she means 1t.
Now here is trouble enough: but on
tap Of ~ returns her wandering hus-
band, xkser an absonca Of fifteen years.
- lxa1 Cesdeeet 81 nsithsx rs1ogmad