Elizabeth Taylor can be gentle without being a sentimentalist, mordantly ironic without being mean or cruel. Yet the title story, about a headwaiter "so snobbish that he looked down upon himself," and his marriage of convenience that misfired, is a comedy that rises to real tragedy in its irony; and the story of the seemingly innocent corruption of a country brother and sister in London is unforgettable for what it leaves unsaid as well as for what appears on the surface. These are memorable and beautiful stories – novels in miniature that will enhance Mrs. Taylor's increasing reputation and bring delight to her readers. Contents: Girl Reading The Prerogative of Love The Thames Spread Out In a Different Light The Benefactress A Dedicated Man As if I Should Care Mr Wharton Mice and Birds and Boy The Voices In the Sun Vron and Willie