18 JUNE 1927, Page 41

THE FLAMING FLOWER. By Estrith Mansfield. (Jarrolds. 7s. 6d.)—This is

a romance of the eighteenth century, conventional in type, but more than averagely well written. The heroine is a young girl whose austere beauty sheathes " a flame of vital spirit undefiled,' and whose purity and loyalty remain unshaken by the coarse influences to which she is subjected. The historic background, into which such figures as Gay and Pope are introduced, changes from London to Italy, and is presented with more artifice than art. ut the artifice is clever and graceful, and the story will please readers who like idealism, sentiment, and quiet description.