18 DECEMBER 1915, Page 24

The Dreamer of Dreams. By the Queen. of Roumania. (Hodder

and Stoughton. 43s. net.)—Again we welcome a hand- some volume by a. British Princess, who can write with care,.

• thought, and skill. Her story is of a beautiful young artist' who dreams of a pair of enchanting eyes and gives up alt his work to seek them. One incident after another is' told of his • journeying, and the hardships which are only overcome by his great valour and endurance and by supernatural aid. When he finds the eyes, it is only to lose them and to die in the supreme effort of painting them. The pervading pathos and melancholy make it difficult to recommend the book for children.; and yet the gentle beauty of the story is hardly cause enough to make it satisfying for others. The volume is illustrated in colour bye . Mr. Dulac, whose skill is well known and unimpeachable. He succeeds in attaining effects• of mystery, but the necessary • tenderness that be rightly seeks, if he is to interpret the author,• seems here and there to dull the edge of his particular powers.