Eustace Ward discovered that his ward Veronica appealed more to his senses than he had ever thought possible. He had come to think he was proof against the effects of feminine charm except in a detached and esthetic way. He is, however, held back by the fear that she regards him as old. The aloof and self-centred attitude towards life of both him and his ward with their ample means is shown without insistence, while the events of August 1914 do not greatly disturb their self-sufficiency. The subsequent bombardment of the North-East coast brings tragedy very near to Ward’s country seat. It is then that they for the first time consciously and on an impulse do an action which is for another’s benefit and which involves their own complete sacrifice. -------- TEMPLE BAILEY Contrary Mary. A Novel. By TEMPLE BAILEY. 352 pages. Crown 8vo, 6s. “Contrary Mary” will win her way to the hearts of all who meet her, and the story of the fortunes of her family will provide restful enjoyment for a very large circle of readers. It is seldom that a clean, sweet story is not open to the criticism of being “pretty.” “Contrary Mary” is, however, an exceptional book, and while it shows the best side of human nature it can never be charged with being mawkish or sugary. While it has no bad characters, and only one unfortunate one, the reader is aware that the author has a firm grip on life. It is clever work, and shows the author as a writer of depth and feeling. -------- BEY SOMERVILLE The Passing of Nahla. A Story of the Desert. By BEY SOMERVILLE. Crown 8vo, 6s. This story of Nahla, a native girl child, and of the white man who educates and makes a companion of her, is full of atmosphere. The baby girl is an amusing companion for the educated, temperamental poet, and to see her develop under his guidance and tuition is for him of unfailing interest. In the intense life of the East she is very quickly a grown woman. Her devotion is pathetic in its self abasement, and she is ready to accept either life or death at his hands. The inevitable tragedy is when the desire comes to the man to return to his own people and their code of life. It is then he has to reckon with Nahla’s jealousy and fierce devotion. Apart from the story the book is worth reading for its rendering of the call and influence of the desert on a highly developed personality. The author feels its magic spell and is very successful in transmitting it to the reader. -------- DOROTHY M. RICHARDSON Backwater. A Novel. By DOROTHY M. RICHARDSON, author of “Pointed Roofs.” Crown 8vo, 6s.