THE JADE'S PROGRESS. By J. Storer Clouston. (Godley Head. 7s.
6d.)—Mr. Clouston cannot be accused of putting his best goods in the shop window. His first two chapters—with the usual mysterious incident in a French train, and then the devastating appearance of six feet of blue-eyed, cherubic young naval officer—promise nothing of what really follows. When once he gets into his stride, Mr. Clouston gives us not only a very original and intriguing mystery, centring around a single idea and containing but one improbable incident, but he presents us with a powerful study in character. Rodney Hurst, the young officer, falls desperately in love with Claire Livesay -during a dance at a Mediterranean port. But Claire, to help her ailing and impecunious father, marries the roue, Lord Nair. Some years later, Rodney falls to the super- ficial charm of Valerie Restormel—only to find her a selfish, vain, lying little minx, who has accepted him under the false impression that he is heir to a fortune. As the mere record of the " dance " that such a woman can lead, a plain, simple; good-natured man, the story is notable. But all the while Mr. Clouston most deftly interweaves an intricate plot with his characterization, and the reader's attention is tensely held until the subtle climax brings retribution for Valerie and happiness
for Rodney and Claire, • • _ _ - _ - • .
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