(From the Statesville, N. C., American.)
“It is a thrilling story of heart-life and the fashionable world, and, aside from an absorbing plot artistically interwoven, it abounds in suggestive thoughts and descriptive passages grand and exquisite in character and finish.”
[From the Philadelphia Daily Age.]
“The authoress of this book is a Virginian by birth, and a lady of many accomplishments. It possesses much excellence. The publishers deserve great praise for the manner in which they have sent the book from the press.”
[From Daily Times, Charlotte, N. C.]
“Have read it with a thrill of pleasure rarely produced by an American novel.—The interest of the story is sustained, throughout—in some instances intensely exciting!—A vein of refinement and culture runs through it which reminds us of Hannah More, and Mrs. Edgeworth.”
[From Daily Progress, Raleigh, N. C.]
“A sweet story, full of pathos as instruction, and replete with both qualities.—The present effort of Mrs. Downing will give her a claim to favoritism with the public exceeding that reached by Mrs. M. E. Braddon!”
[From the Daily Sentinel, Raleigh, N. C.]
“It is certainly a gem—of wonderful beauty and purity. The reader is kept in almost painful doubt whether the lady’s secret is a criminal one or not. In painting the character of Lady Haughton, Mrs. Downing has succeeded in giving us a more womanly and natural creation than Dickens has in her counterpart, Lady Dedlock. We heartily commend the book—to all who desire an intellectual treat!”