2 OCTOBER 1926, Page 39

THE BABY GRAND. By Stacy Aumonier. (Heine- mann. 7s. 6d.)—Mr.Arthur

Waugh having said that the author is a story teller par excellence, we modestly express the same opinion. This book of short stories, told quietly and neatly, will come as a great relief to the large multitude 'who like to read a good story well told. To the small remaining section they may be a bore. We tremble lest in this belief we assume that Maupassant as a short story writer must for ever rank first and 0. Henry second. Mr. Aumonier's tales are plain tales for nice people, full of humanity and humans. "The , Room" and "The Happy Man" have avoided obvious possibilities and give with- restraint things which touch- on chords of heart and kindly understanding.