“No doubt the action turns upon sentiment; but, as readers of the ‘The hill’ well recall, Mr. Vachell’s sentiment is not of the watery kind. It consorts very well with sensible thinking and a plain and sturdy way of speech.”

+Nation. 85: 519. D. 5, ’07. 420w.

“Is an unusual novel and will be deeply relished by those who think and feel. There is enough of a problem in it to arouse warm discussion.”

+N. Y. Times. 12: 644. O. 19. ’07. 670w.

“A highly dramatic and human story by one of the five best writers in England.”

+N. Y. Times. 12: 655. O. 19, ’07. 10w.

“The book goes beneath the surface in its study of motive and character and although it sometimes touches on delicate ground, it holds up a high standard of honor, faithfulness, and nobility of purpose.”

+Outlook. 87: 497. N. 2, ’07. 80w.

“We readily admit that the novel is well written, that the dialogue is bright, and the narrative well handled. But viewed as a whole the story stands or falls with the character of Dorothy Fairfax ... and we fear that a good many readers, instead of regarding her, with Lady Curragh, as ‘a heavenly fool,’ will be tempted to pronounce her an unearthly idiot.”

+ −Spec. 98: 721. My. 4, ’07. 1000w.