23 JUNE 1928, Page 23

CASTLE PERILOUS. By Katherine Tynan. (Ward, Lock. Is. 6d.)—A gracious

personality gives an inner spiritual slow to this novel, which would otherwise lack distinction. The plot is of the slightest: Maurice Greville is an ex-officer, suffering from shell-shock, and he is dominated by his old school-mistress and present guardian, whose material hunger restricts his self-development. But a charming girl, Juliette Darell, comes into his life, and helps him to win freedom ; and the final surprise lies. in Juliette's marriage, not with Maurice, but with an earlier lover who. has become a widower. The story is spun rather thin- But Juliette is a lovable character, and there is much pleasant and natural dialogue.