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OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.

"Upon what principle," one of my Baronites writes, "do people
collecting a number of short stories for publication in one volume,
select that which shall give the book its title?" Of course I know,
but shan't say; am not here to answer conundrums. After interval of
chilling silence, my Baronite continues, "Lady LINDSAY has brought
together ten stories which A. & C. BLACK publish in a comely volume.
She calls it _A Philosopher's Window_, that being the title of the
first in the procession. I have looked through the _Philosopher's
Window_, and don't see much, except perhaps a reminiscence of
_A Christmas Carol_. There are others, far better, notably 'Miss
Dairsie's Diary.' This is a gem of simple narrative, set in charming
Scottish scenery, which Lady LINDSAY evidently knows and loves. There
is much else that is good. 'The Story of a Railway Journey,' and 'Poor
Miss Brackenthorpe,' for example. All are set in a minor key, but it
is simple, natural music."

B. DE B.-W.

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[Illustration: THE HAUNTED HOUSE.]

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THE YOUNG GIRL'S COMPANION.