11 FEBRUARY 1928, Page 25

CLAIRE 'AND CIRCUMSTANCES. By E. Maria Albanesi. (Collins. 7s. 6d.)—Claire

Lystrand, the ward of the " socially important !? Isabel Peaslade, who has a daughter of her own,. gives people. the impression of being delicate, elusive, faery. But the " mystery !' that surrounds her is gradually penetrated, until Claire is at last revealed in her true colours as " a lovely flower without scent." Her selfishness and jealousy -threaten to ruin the fortunes of the charming Mary Briston and her brother. But the writer is too practised a. hand to deny us Claire's final defeat and discomfiture. Madame, Albane.si understands young women, and her new neyel,_ though it has an exciting plot, is mainly notable for its delicate portraiture of several very different types of girlhood.