You could scarcely have given a novelist a harder case than to prove the likeableness of _Cherry Mart_, as her actions show her in _September_ (METHUEN), and I wonder how a Victorian writer would have dealt with the terrible chit. But FRANK SWINNERTON, of course, is able to hold these astonishing briefs with ease. Here is a girl who first turns the head of _Marian Forster's_ middle-aged husband in a pure fit of experimentalism, and then sets her cap with defiant malice at the young man who seems likely to bring real love into the elder woman's life. And yet _Marian_ grows always fonder of her, and she, in the manner of a wayward and naughty child, of _Marian_. Insolence and _gaucherie_ are on the one hand, coolness and finished grace on the other, and, although there are several moments of hatred between the two, their affection is the proper theme of the book. As for _Nigel_, he is impetuous and handsome, and falls in love with _Marian_ because she is sympathetic, and with _Cherry_ because she is _Cherry_, and also perhaps a little because the War has begun and the day of youth triumphant has arrived. But he does not make a very deep impression upon me, and as for _Marian's_ husband, who is big and rather stupid, and always has been, I gather, a bit of a dog, he scarcely counts at all. _Marian_, however, is an extremely clever and intricate study, and for _Cherry_--I don't really know whether I like _Cherry_ or not. But I have certainly met her. * * * * * Mr. Punch has pleasure in calling attention to two small volumes, lately issued, which reproduce matter that has appeared in his pages and therefore does not need any further token of his approbation: to wit, _A Little Loot_ (ALLEN AND UNWIN), by Captain E.V. KNOX ("EVOE"); and _Staff Tales_ (CONSTABLE), by Captain W.P. LIPSCOMB, M.C. ("L."), with illustrations, now first published, by Mr. H.M. BATEMAN. Also to _A Zoovenir_ (Dublin: The Royal Zoological Society of Ireland), by Mr. CYRIL BRETHERTON ("ALGOL"), a book of verses which have appeared elsewhere and are being sold for the benefit of the Dublin Zoo. * * * * * [Illustration: _The Fool._ "GOOD MASTER CARPENTER, I AM IN GREAT NEED OF WIT FOR TONIGHT'S FEAST. HAST THOU ANY MERRY QUIP OR QUAINT CONCEIT WHEREWITH I MIGHT SET THE TABLE IN A ROAR?" _The Carpenter._ "NAY, MASTER FOOL, I HAVE BUT ONE WHICH I FASHIONED MYSELF WITH MUCH LABOUR. IT GOETH THUS: 'WHEN IS A DOOR NOT A ----?'" _The Fool._" ENOUGH! THAT JOKE HATH ALREADY COST ME TWO GOOD SITUATIONS."]