4 NOVEMBER 1911, Page 11

An Impossible Friend. E. L..Haverfield. (James Nisbet and Co. 3s.

6d.)—The impossibility of Madge Laugh= is so overwhelm-

ingly displayed on her first appearance that it takes all the author's skill to win over the reader as well as Lucy Fairfax. In the end, however, it is accomplished, for Miss Haverfield manages her story well. The slight plot is ingeniously used to bring out the characters of all concerned, and Madge gains our sympathy and liking, though she is never quite "so life-like as Mrs. Fairfax and Ludy. These latter are quite charming people, and there will be many girls, we feel sure, who will be delighted to make their acquaintance.