21 JANUARY 1911, Page 23

Phillida. By Thomas Cobb. (Mills and Boon. 6s.)—The most entertaining

character in Mr. Cobb's new novel is that of Stephen Maurice. Though he does not occupy any official position in the list of characters, he has an extraordinary faculty for meddling in other people's affairs with the best intentions and the most un- fortunate results. The novel is a comedy of manners, and it is written with all Mr. Cobb's accomplishment of style, while the characters are more sympathetic than usual.