Margot’s First Novel

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 376, 9 June 1928, Page 26

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 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, sharpl3 r drawn and distinguished, though most of them speak the same language.

Oetavia, 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 Robin Compton, just twice her age and in love with her in his indolent way, she receives an invitation to tl*e 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 Oetavia finds in riding almost pel feet 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; S “Love has different effects upon different men. It makes some confident, j othera embarrassed; and few men are at their best when they’re in love, j "With women it's different. TV ith them love-making is an art which men j can never learn, and those who learnit are rotters. j “I married a very dull man, but I I was always in love with the wrong ones. I can assure you I was not onlj 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 he w-idely read. Here are some : epigrams: “A spinster’s surprise is never ben- : evolent.” 1"I always try to live up to m.v income even if I have to borrow mone. to do it.” . “People who aren't interested themselves are as dull as ditchwate*«