Rinaultrie. By Mrs. Milne Rae. (Nelson and Sons.)—The plot of
the story is one which has been used before, one would say, not a few times only. In fact, it is the old " claimant " affair over again. But the claimant in this case is little more than sled, and the scheme which he constructs to carry out his purpose seams scarcely pro- bable. But there are merits in the book which do not depend upon its plot. The pictures of Scotch life, both in the great house and the manse, are described with much skill ; there is no lack of serious purpose in them, and no lack of humour. The humour, indeed, is not adequately represented by the somewhat cumbrous fun made in the first chapter of the "probationer." The great event of the story is the Disruption, a topic of unfailing interest, and, indeed, to any reader, one of the most striking scenes of modern life. The author, though sympathising with the seceders, is candid and sym- pathetic, and can see good even in so very decided a " Moderate" as old Mr. Gordon, with his sporting ways.
Previous page
