be applied to all novels. It is a generic title for all modern novels,
since there is not one of these but in this form or that sets out the
pursuit of his mistress by a man or his treatment of her when he has
clapped her beneath hatches. This is a notable matter. The novelist
writes under the influences and within the limitations of his age, and
the modern novelist correctly mirrors modern life when he presents
woman as for man's pursuit till he has her, and for what treatment he
may will when he captures her. The position is deplorable, is
productive of a million wrongs, and, happily, is slowly changing; but
that it exists is clear upon the face of our social existence, and is
even advertised between the sexes in love: "You are mine" the man
says, and means it. "I am yours" the woman declares, and, fruit of
generations of dependence, freely, almost involuntarily, gives
herself.

But of this problem (upon which we could bore you to distraction) we
are nothing concerned in our novel. Truly we offer you the pursuit of
a girl; but my Mary would neither comprehend this matter nor wish to
be other than her George's. From page 57 she waves to us; let us hurry
along.




_.... Who so will stake his lot,
Impelled thereto by nescience or whim,
Cupidity or innocence or not,
On Chance's colours, let men pray for him._
RALPH HODGSON.