Daphne's Decision. By Emma Marshall. (James Nisbet and Co.) —In
all the earlier part of this story, Mrs. Marshall is equal, and more than equal, to herself. She gives, as she can give, plenty of humour,—and humour is very welcome when one is struggling through this mass of didactic Christmas literature. Daphne is an only child of wealthy parents. A life of ease and indulgence, and the custom of finding herself the first person whenever there is any question of convenience, have spoilt her. She is docile, indeed, and but intensely selfish. Her father and mother are reluctantly convinced that their society does not suffice for her, that she must have a young companion. Such a companion they find in a cousin, the orphan-daughter of a clergyman; but with characteristic weakness, they let her understand that she is to have a choice,—the cousin who
first comes to her, or her next sister. This is "Daphne's choice," and the story built on this groundwork is good, though a little too long, we are inclined to think.
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