15 NOVEMBER 1902, Page 7

Stories of the Abbey Precincts. By Agnes Giberne. (R.T.S. 3s.

6d.)—Miss Giberne has made a success of this collection of short stories. Each has a sufficient interest of its own, and this is heightened by the skilfully managed thread of connection between them. To make the same people reappear does not always turn out well ; but here it is cleverly contrived. "The Irrevocable," which stands first, is not the best ; " At a 'Brass Knocker," which comes second on the list, is very good; and we are always glad to meet Canon Hardy, who is the hero, so to speak, whenever he appears in the course of the stories. There is a certain subtlety in the way in which all the little dramas are invested with the atmosphere of a Cathedral city.