7 DECEMBER 1912, Page 13

• Angeligise. By Constance Elizabeth Hand. (Duckworth and Co. 6s.)—The

curious illusion of thinking in French and speaking in English which this writer has the faculty of conveying to her readers, is here carried out with much vivacity. "Le PIA Chou," as Angelique is generally called, is one of "the merriest babes we ever spent an hour's talk withal" in a book, but some of the victims of her amusing volubility would not have finished our adapted quotation by adding, "within the limits of becoming mirth." She makes zealous researches into such subjects as the marchande de ehoux finding babies among the cabbage leaves, and the ages of her grown-up friends. Her quotations from the talk of the eoncierge,with which she often holds her own when the laughing grown-ups try to baffle her keen wits, are terribly and strikingly apt.

We see her in her Parisian home, sharing in many grown-up

amusements, in the country, at the seaside, and, last of all, on a visit to London. Here we are shown the contrast between the lives of English and French children ; and though we must think our own early hours and simple food best, there is much to be said for the French plan, which allows busy professional men to see more of their children than is easily possible in England. The episode of the "Being de Her" is delightful, and the attitude of

the Scotch maidservant towards hotel life will appeal irresistibly to people who know what it is to travel with an uncompromising attendant. The grown-up characters of. both nations are nearly

as attractive as the children, and we shall hope to hear more of them all, and learn how Angelique likes going to classes and trying to be a " grand° demoiselle."