"Master Eustace," the title of the first of five short stories by Henry James, identifies a collection of that author written before his middle age and now published for the first time in book form in America.

On the cover sheet the publisher expresses the natural hope that they will be accorded "a warm welcome."

It is inconceivable that any welcome of Henry James should be quite of that nature. Metaphysicians are found in every condition of living, by far the larger number among the novelists of the modern school. Of these professional philosophers there are few indeed able to accept the infinite variety of life in the face of their own pet aversions and pet hobbies. Like so many of these James had his deformities. And among these were a restlessness, a seclusion from earthy contacts, and an incessant dissatisfaction, which, even in a novelist, do not go toward a warm reception.

In the collection named "Master Eustace," the substance which James presents is of his customary order, rather ethereal, rather, even, anaemic, Each story affords an excellent cuttlebone for the sensibility of the reader, and rests with that service alone. Stimulating the appetite of the reader for solid substance, he can provide nothing so coarse as the satisfaction of a desire.

As tales of James's go, these here collected have it surprise. Though not the work of a youth they have the zest of a story teller just prodding in his stock, a spirit, however, which James maintained throughout his life. They are surprising in that they are told with the extremest clarity and simplicity of phrasing, and are in that way models for structure.

The story, "Master Eustace," represents what to James were two powerful passions. Selecting according to his practice, nevertheless, James succeeds in reducing everywhere from the common clay of natural action, bringing the story to a close without an end.