23 FEBRUARY 1907, Page 24

Harry and Ursula. By W. E. Norris. (Methuen and Co.

68.) —The title of this book most accurately describes the scope of the plot. The story is concerned with a misunderstanding between two foolish young people who will not acknowledge the affection they have for each other. From the reader's point of view the weak part of the whole affair is the beginning of this misunderstanding. It is difficult to believe that two young people who are very much in love with each other could really be kept apart by being a little shy on first meeting after a temporary separation. Mr. Norris's novels all have the same good points and the same failings. They are written in pure and cultivated English, and the people are very obviously ladies and gentlemen. On the other hand, the affections of those ladies and gentlemen, thengh.quite exceptionally constant, are distinctly tepid from an ordinary human point of view. Those people who can persuade themselves that Harry and Ursula are interesting individuals will read the book with great pleasure ; but no one who does not immediately take a liking to the two principal personages should try to go on with Mr. Norris's account of their relations.