Allward. By E. S. Stevens. (Mills and Boon. 6e.)—It was
really surprising how easily Richard Lyddon took to the ways of a " traveller's " life. With all respect for the doctrine of freedom from conventions and all delight in damp woods and starlit nights and hedge. of golden gorse, we cannot say that we were ever attracted by the peculiarly stuffy appearance of a gypsy encampment. Now, Lyddon was a member of the Royal Society, a man of brilliant intellect, and a frequenter of smart social circles, yet be never once missed the refine- ments of civilization. Of course there were consolations for Lim in the person of Mary, an altogether probable and delightful product of nomad life; that he ultimately married her is the most convincing proof of his superior intellect. Mies Stevens has sketched in her local colour with an almost too scrupulous care. We have no objection to the free use of unfamiliar Romany words, and the writer is wise in her decision to use neither glossary nor footnotes; but what she has gained in realism she has lost in sympathy, for she writes from outside, without intimacy, and never quite succeeds in making us feel the rain on the leaves or the smell of wood- smoke. Still, ber work is, as usual, interesting and distinctive.
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