'I should have read S.& H. [Shops and Houses] earlier, despite J. & P. , but I couldn�t get the book off Marguerite. Conjugal unpleasantness became so acute on the point that I was obliged to buy a second copy. I think this book shows marked development on the part of the author. There are about 150 pp. as good as the very best few pages of "On the Staircase", & some much better.'