29 NOVEMBER 1890, Page 24

The Little Princess Angel. By Stella Austin. (Walter Smith and

Innes.)—This is a very pretty story, and we are not inclined to insist upon the observance of the probabilities. If Miss Austin chooses to make her heroine a Princess in her own right, and then to have her kidnapped and made to perform in a travelling show, we do not object. Our only fear was that a creature so super- naturally good would have to die prematurely. Happily, our feelings are not so harrowed. Little Angel is quite mistress of the situation, whatever it may be, is always equally at home— indeed, the ease with which she takes to her theatrical performances is very surprising—and tames the most savage creatures by her unfailing gentleness and goodness. We leave her with a whole

retinue of devoted pensioners, a retinue which must grow to something like a host by the time she reaches mature years. But this is a pleasant book to read, and not unizuitructive.