In a wholly different vein are "The Discipline of Christine" and "The Unequal Yoke," by Mrs. Barré Goldie and Mrs. H.H. Penrose respectively. In the former the ways and moods of childhood are depicted in original and inimitable fashion, which makes it safe to predict that the author will go far beyond her first effort as a novelist. In "The Unequal Yoke" Mrs. Penrose has taken for her theme the love story of a clergyman whose benefice is an Irish coast town, and in whose flock prominence is attained by narrow zeal rather than by amiability. He is really a good man, and is lucky enough, or the reverse, to win the hand of a delightful young lady whose charms, however, do not command the unanimous approval of the parishioners. The possession of high musical attainments makes her temperament all the more interesting, and accounts for the presence in so remote a district of her German friend whose acute sense of the ridiculous leads to such untoward results. It is hard to say whether the author's talents are best evinced by her true pathos or by the delicate touches of humour which pervade the book. Another commendable feature of the novel is an alert skill in construction which stamps it as a thoroughly artistic production.
Ready May 2.
The Soul of London. FORD MADOX HUEFFER. Author of "The Life of Madox Brown," "The Face of the Night," &c. Imperial 16mo, 5s. nett.
Ready May 9.
More Cricket Songs. NORMAN GALE. Imperial 16mo, 2s. nett.
New Edition. Now Ready.
Spring Blossoms and Summer Fruit. JOHN BYLES. Cloth, Crown 8vo, 1s. 6d. nett.
These "Sunday Morning Talks to Children" are full of charm and suggestive thought.