Strange, slight story which, for all its simplicity, is a little unreal. Tda is , living at home with her father and two younger brothers whom she has virtually brought up and to whom she represents common sense, security, and kindness. These qualities are sensed in her by John, who first notices her from his balcony across the street and thinks he finds in her again the young wife he has lost. John is close to a nervous crack-up; he overstays his leave from the Army, tells her the story of riet, who had died; eventually through Tilda he gets back to normal. She sends him back to his C O -- both of them sharing hopes of a future together. Romance, with touches of whimay here and there, but no great distinction or originality. Mark Van Doren seems to this reader more successful in the role of either poet or critic.