20 FEBRUARY 1897, Page 23

Dust in the Balance. By George Knight. (Jerrold and Sons.)—

We have here a variety of short stories or snippets—one can hardly call them stories—some of which are good of their kind, others being altogether formless and uninteresting. The best are the longest, and Mr. Knight should learn that it is only the most expert pen which can with a few strokes tell a story ; when less skilful hands snake the endeavour, the result is indescribably jerky and patchy. In "The Treason of John Smith" and the "Pair of the Duvals," Mr. Knight shows he can handle an idea with power, and in "The Wooing of Lady Godiva," with poetical tenderness and refinement.