An enjoyable little comedy, this one, even if none of the characters represents particularly appetizing members, or would-be members, of London society at the turn of the century. The polish of the finished text repays careful study in comparison with the rather crude ideas James expressed in the notebook entries which preceded its writing. In particular the transfer of the uncertainty about what the brother-in-law might have done into the consciousness of the ‘heroine’ is an extremely satisfactory solution to some of the problems James outlines in his notes.

For details of the text sources and subsequent critical discussion see the bibliography. Otherwise just start reading.

Adrian Dover