TAKING CHANCES. By M. J. Farrell. (Elkin Mathews and Marot.
7s. 6d.)—This is a disappointing successor to Young Entry. Conventionality of plot impedes the develop- ment of the characters. We are introduced to an Irish house party on the eve of the marriage of the single-hearted Maeve Sorrier to the unworthy Rowland Fountain. The opening description of Maeve and her two very different brothers is natural and promising ; but Mary Fuller, one of the brides- maids for the morrow, steps in like a " movie " queen and reduces the play to melodrama. Mary, frankly sensual and lawless, instantly falls in love with Rowland, and succeeds that same night in ensnaring him. Some very unpleasant complications ensue. Throughout the story Miss Farrell strains after " strong " drama, and does violence to the insight, humour, and charm of which she is obviously capable.
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