It remains to be seen whether "The Burden of Isabel,"
by Mr. J. Maelaren Cobban, of which the first six chapters appear in the February number of Chambers's Journal, is worthy either of the magazine or of its author's reputation. Meanwhile, it may be said that the character of Isabel Raynor—a special type of English girl—is remarkably well drawn. Apart altogether from the leading story, this number is decidedly above the average, especially in the matter of general informing articles. Several of these, such as"Parliamentary Manners and Humours," "Detectives as They Are," "English Character-Writers," and "German Folk-lore," put the (now, at least) almost too familiar subjects of which they treat, in a new light. Mr. William Atkinson gives, in "The Shawmut Trestle," an acceptable story of Indian loyalty and White malice ; while, in "Isabel Dysart," Mrs. Oliphant revives the days of Burke and Hare.
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