Humphry Ward's Book

Time was when Mrs. Humphry Ward, Mother Hubbard and Queen Victoria formed a trinity of idols that epitomized their age. Of the three, Mrs. Ward was notably the most prolific. Year after year, with tireless didactic persistence, she penned a series of diffuse improving novels,* with the best of intentions and the most overwhelming success. When she died in 1920, aged 69, few of her readers thought to ask if she was survived by a Mr. Humphry Ward. For all that most of them knew, he might have been an anonymous consort to a nom de plume. Last week the ignorant were enlightened. Cables heralded the release of Widower Ward's latest literary opus, a history of the Athenaeum Club, famed and venerable bulwark of British conservatism.

It was recalled that Mr. Ward once brought out an edition of The English Poets; once saw his son elected to Parliament. For many years the Wards moved in an exclusive Victorian set which included Lord Haldane and Lord Grey. Opined fellow members of the Athenaeum, "Mr. Humphry Ward's forthcoming history will be well worth perusing. His circle of acquaintanceships is wide. The fact that he has just celebrated his 80th birthday will preclude all possibility of immature reflections."

*Some of her best known books: Robert Elsmere, History of David Grieve, Marcella, Fenwick's Career, Lady Rose's Daughter. She produced 31 books in 39 years.