7 NOVEMBER 1896, Page 11

The Countess Helena. By Marion Andrews. (Gardner, Darton, and Co.)—This

is a tale of the Franco-German War, in which the not unfamiliar complications of true love triumphing over diffi- culties are once more introduced. The heroine is deceived by false news of her lover's death, accepts another suitor, flies on the eve of her wedding-day, and conceals herself successfully till the need of concealment is passed. Social distinctions in Germany are not so marked as they once were, if this tale is true to facts. —The Silver Flagon (same publishers) is a romantic story, in which treasure-trove plays a part. We do not feel certain that it is now published for the first time. Be that so or no, it will be found to have some interest.