The Prince of Wales's Garden Party : and Other Stories.
1 vol. By Mrs. J. H. Riddell. (Chatto and Windus.)—This collection of stories is likely to disappoint Mrs. Riddell's admirers, who have been accustomed to get stronger work in her longer writings. There may be good reasons for writing magazine sketches, which serve their purpose and are forgotten, but it is very seldom that the ropublica. tion is either prudent or profitable. Variety of motive is the only artistic merit which Mrs. Riddell exhibits, and this is more than balanced by the exasperation caused by her inadequate treatment, and by the illusory hopes raised by each story in turn,—a drawback this last, it mast be admitted, inherent in the form of book for which the author cannot be blamed. In the story called "Margaret Donovan," there is a little suggestion of simple pathos, and in the selection of Irish scenery, as the background of this and other stories, Mrs. Riddell has shown commendable discernment. Indeed, as far as such slight materials can be trusted, we think she might profitably give more attention to Irish scenes and people ; but as to this book itself, we are inclined to believe that Mrs. Riddell had bettor restrict herself for the future to the form of novel in which her success has been made.
We are glad to receive a new and pretty edition of Holiday Time at Forest House (Marcus Ward and Co., illustrated by T. Pym), which we reviewed nearly a year ago in these columns. It will make an intbresting and pretty gift-book for the coming season.
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