, THE GATEWAY ,OF. THE WORLD, by Katharine Claire Perris
(Bean, 7s. 6d.), is a pleasant book to read ; for it takes you to remote and unspoiled places and a company of charming though elusive-girls. - As a novel it may seem slightly pointless possibly because the manner is rather too elaborate for an' introduction to the errant maids who constantly home to the huge rambling hotige called the Talheim, built by their French grandfather in an enchanted valley of pines, orchards, and vineyards -near- the Saar. Andree, - the central. figure, has a distinct charm, though -she is not consistently imagined. The fair at Pfennigstadt seems to be described for its pictorial rather than its psychological value ; and Andree's departure from Tallieini with Cciniad-, a perion- Of no importance, hardly justifies the tense, excited:atmosphere and the semi-mystical assistance of Ann. But the Dufresne family is very attractive ; and the vine-clad valley exhales an actual refreshment. The study of the child' Carl, suffering silently because he alone had seen his -mother- drown -herself in the river, is finely drawn. Indeed, the book has only too - many motifs. The "author should do very well when- she compels herself tq.
Concentrate._ _ _ - .
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