31 MAY 1913, Page 28

Poor Dear Margaret Kirby. By Kathleen Norris. (Macmillar and Co.

6s.)—This is a series of short stories of American life, of which the first, which gives its name to the collection, is by no means the best. But all the stories are pleasant reading, and the last one and " The Tide-Marsh" both convey a distinct thrill, while " Making Allowances for Mamma " and " ' stands for Shiftless Susanna," are most amusing comedies.