3 MAY 1913, Page 29

The Unknown Quantity. By Henry Van Dyke. (Harper and Brothers.

6s.)—This volume contains nineteen very pleasant short stories, all of which have some mystical touch in them. They range in scene from Bethlehem to Quebec. Mr. Van Dyke can weave into a tale a pretty Breton legend or tell an up-to-date story of New York life. The modern tale of that city is perhaps the least successful of all, but even this has a welcome touch of kindliness in the redeeming qualities allowed to the wealthy lawyer whose large philanthropies are designed to bring their rewards in this world. There is an old-fashioned simplicity in most of them and an unfailing neatness in all. The book is Illustrated by various artists.