A Christmas Posy. By Mrs. Molesworth. (Macmillan and Co.) —Mrs.
Molesworth has put together in this volume eight short stories, told with her wonted grace and command of pathos. It would be difficult to say which of the eight is the best. Perhaps we might give the palm to " My Pink Pet." This gives us an interesting glimpse of that strange imaginative life which some children lead. Lois, who tells the story herself, being then, as she says, an old woman, relates an experience of her childhood. She had a pink shell given to her, and she makes it the centre of romantic imaginings which she jealously conceals, as such children are wont to do, from the inquisitive eyes of those about her. The pink shell is broken, and then follows a time of agonising grief, ending, however, at last in a happier state of things, when the little Lois is taken more into the thoughts and occupations of the family circle, and left less to her own imagination and amusement. " Lost 'Rollo " is another very pretty story. This time two London children lose their hearts to a collie who happens to be lost by its owner, and comes in their way. Here, too, there comes a parting, and the sequel of almost broken hearts; but Fortune is kind. 'Rollo's ' owners have to go abroad and to leave their favourite behind them; and he, being of that accommodating temper which is more agreeable to the world generally than surly fidelity, accommodates himself readily to the new state of things. We can- not forbear also mentioning with especial praise " Six Poor Little Princesses." The " Princesses " are little girls who live a some- what neglected life, and are in a state of heartrending destitution in the matter of dolls. How "Jimmy," who is the genius of the party, contrives to supply the want is excellently well told.
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