27 FEBRUARY 1915, Page 23

The Sixth Sense. By Stephen McKenna. (Chapman and Hall. 60.)—The

"Sixth Sense" which Mr. McKenna has chosen for his title-page is that of telepathy; the main theme of the novel ie, however, the question of suffragist militancy. We assume that the author has occupied a most praise- worthy length of time over the writing of his book, for the choice of subject is unfortunate; the militant movement is, if not dead, at least temporarily unconscious, and seems to as now unworthy and even trivial. But in spite of being at this disadvantage, it is evident that Mr. McKenna has made a great advance as a writer of fiction: here is far more careful and more intricate work than be has given us as yet, and he has developed a surprising ingenuity in the nee of flowing, spirited conversation, upon which he chiefly depends for the working out of his story, and to which be gives a brilliancy which successfully avoids any imputation of cheapness. Indeed, Mr. McKenna is able to interest ns in all his male characters, especially in the abnormal, attractive Aintree ; but we cannot allow him to rest content with the drawing of women as mere figureheads, or, at the best, as types which be adopts and does not trouble to

investigate; Lis work, as a whole, is worthy of better things.