2 OCTOBER 1926, Page 39

GABRIELLE. By W. B. Maxwell. (Thornton Butter- worth. 7s. 6d.)--Mr.

Maxwell tells a story at once so thread- bare, and so absolutely removed from truth to life, that it is difficult to sympathize or even be interested. His humble heroine loves and is loved by a high-born hero : there is the, usual misunderstanding which endures a while until the couple are finally united. The book calls for no mental effort - whatever, which no doubt is a reason why numbers of people will enjoy reading it, and the characters talk with a sort of below-stairs grandeur.