10 MAY 1930, Page 26

THE LADY JEAN. By Frank Dilnot. (Brentanos. 7s. 6d.)—There is

a great vigour and sturdiness about Mr. Dilnot's new book, which deals with an imaginary situation in the history of England,' and shows how, a Kentish girl very nearly took the place of Henrietta Maria on the thrtme. The . story is full of valour, chivalry and. the clash of swords. It is so convincingly and impartially written that as one reads, one sides now with Buckingham, who has determined that the

• Prince of Wales shall strengthen the relations with France, • now with Charles, who declares, A man - should - be allowed two wives, one for himself and one for the State ! " and now with the Lady Jean, who—. But to reveal her feelings would be to disclose the denouement of the book. It is enough to say that Mr. Dilnot writes with grace, that his characters have character, and that he has a really first-class tale to tell.