19 NOVEMBER 1898, Page 27

Mayduke Blossoms. By Phcebe Allen. (S.P.C.K.)—This story, written "for Mothers'

Meetings," is of a pointedly didactic kind. It opens with the picture of a child of six pulling to pieces a bough of cherry-blossom with a wilfulness which her mother does not attempt to check, but rather regards with pride. The temper thus encouraged leads to grievous trouble as life goes on, and Cassie's opportunities and occasions of choice between good and evil become more important. Miss Allen probably knows what is wanted for the purpose which she has in view. Yet sometimes morals are not less effective when they are less pointedly enforced. It somewhat spoils the story to foresee the end so very plainly.