28 DECEMBER 1901, Page 23

The Princess Cynthia. By Marguerite Bryant. (Cassell and Co. 6s.)—Here

we have a story of that country, "apart from place, withholding time," with which Mr. Anthony Hope has made us familiar. Indeed, the Princess Cynthia and the Princess Osra might have been sisters, for they were both ardent players at the game of hearts. It is the old story of the man who gives the greatest thing in the world to a woman whose soul is not yet awake to the knowledge of love. This Princess's court, her

flowers, her fancies, and her charm, are prettily described, and recall the Palace of the Sleeping Beauty. It is pleasant to wander with her through a forest, or to see her pick white lilies in a summer's dawn, and for a short time to ignore with her all but the pleasures of life.