Part 35 (1/2)
Ill.u.s.trated in Colour by JAMES DURDEN. Crown 8vo, cloth, olivine edges. 5/-.
After the death of her mother, Sylvia Sherwood has to make her own way in the world as a telegraph clerk. The world she finds herself in is a girls' hostel in a big northern city. For a while she can only see the uncongenial side of her surroundings; but when she has made a friend and found herself a niche, she begins to realize that though the Blue Rose may not be for her finding, there are still wild roses in every hedge. In the end, however, Sylvia, contented at last with her hard-working, humdrum life, finds herself the successful writer of a book of children's poems.
”Miss Letts has written a most entertaining work, which should become very popular. The humour is never forced, and the pathetic scenes are written with true feeling.”--_School Guardian_.
Bridget of All Work
Ill.u.s.trated in Colour by JAMES DURDEN. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges. 5/-.
The scene of the greater part of this story is laid in Lancas.h.i.+re, and the author has chosen her heroine from among those who know what it is to feel the pinch of want and strive loyally to combat it. There is a charm about Bridget Joy, moving about her kitchen, keeping a light heart under the most depressing surroundings. Girl though she is, it is her arm that encircles and protects those who should in other circ.u.mstances have been her guardians, and her brave heart that enables the word Home to retain its sweetness for those who are dependent on her.
”Miss Letts has written a story for which elder girls will be grateful, so simple and winning is it; and we recognize in the author's work a sense of character and ease of style which ought to ensure its popularity.”--_Globe_.
MABEL QUILLER-COUCH
The Carroll Girls
Ill.u.s.trated, 5/-.
The father of the Carroll girls fell into misfortune, and had to go to Canada to make a new start. But he could not take his girls with him, and they were left in charge of their cousin Charlotte, in whose country home they grew up, learning to be patient, industrious, and sympathetic. The author has a dainty and pleasant touch, and describes her characters so lovingly that no girl can read this book without keen interest in Esther's housekeeping and Penelope's music, Angela's poultry-farming, and Poppy's dreams of market-gardening.
ANNA CHAPIN RAY
Teddy: Her Daughter
Ill.u.s.trated in Colour by N. TENISON. Crown 8vo, cloth, olivine edges.
3/6.
Many young readers have already made the acquaintance of Teddy in Miss Anna Chapin Ray's previous story, ”Teddy: Her Book.” The heroine of the present story is Teddy's daughter Betty--a young lady with a strong will and decided opinions of her own. When she is first introduced to us she is staying on a holiday at Quantuck, a secluded seaside retreat; and Miss Ray describes the various members of this small summer community with considerable humour. Among others is Mrs. Van Hicks, a lady of great possessions, but little culture, who seeks to put people under a lasting obligation to her by making friends with them. On hearing that a nephew of this estimable lady is about to arrive at Quantuck, Betty makes up her mind beforehand to dislike him. At first she almost succeeds, for, like herself, Percival has a temper, and can be ”th.o.r.n.y” at times. As they come lo know each other better, however, a less tempestuous state of things ensues, and eventually they cement a friends.h.i.+p that is destined to carry them far.
Nathalie's Sister
Ill.u.s.trated in Colour by N. TENISON. Crown 8vo, cloth, olivine edges.
3/6.
n.o.body knows--or cares--much about Nathalie's Sister at the opening of this story. She is, indeed, merely Nathalie's Sister, without a name of her own, s.h.i.+ning with a borrowed light. Before the end is reached, however, her many good qualities have received the recognition they deserve, and she is Margaret Arterburn, enjoying the respect and admiration of all her friends. Her temper is none of the best: she has a way of going direct to the point in conversation, and her words have sometimes an unpleasant sting; yet when the time comes, she reveals that she is not lacking in the qualities of gentleness and affection, not to say heroism, which many young readers have already learned to a.s.sociate with her sister Nathalie.
Nathalie's Chum
Ill.u.s.trated in Colour by DUDLEY TENNANT. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, olivine edges. 3/6.