Next-Door Neighbours. By W. Pett Ridge. (Hodder and Stoughton. 5s.)—There
is no need to tell the readers of " Mord Emly "that they will find much to interest and more to entertain them in Mr. Pett Ridge's new book of stories. Perhaps in using the word "stories" we are making a mistake, as the contents of this little volume are sketches rather than stories. The paper called "First Impressions," which must in any case figure as a sketch, gives a most sympathetic account of a country boy's first long day in London. He comes in the morning by excursion train, under the guidance of his married sister; and great is the fun which he has, and the sympathy with which Mr. Pett Ridge describes it. "Friends Indeed" can perhaps lay claim to the name of story, as it has a plot, but though amusing, it is not at all the most successful thing in the book. The palm must be shared between the sketch spoken of above and another paper, which also is a real story, called "Dock Dues." For those readers who enjoy the republication of an author's fugitive pieces the little collection will prove excellent reading.
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