12 JUNE 1897, Page 26

The Greek E. By the Princess Laura Bonaparte. (H. S.

Nichols.) —This is a fairly well written novel, but the plot seems a little, or not a little, extravagant. Frances Harrold receives, shortly after losing her husband, a letter expressing brutal delight at his death. She vows vengeance against the writer, and her brother Philip, naturally one of the most amiable of mankind, joins her in her vow. But who was the writer ? The hand is closely scrutinised, and a characteristic feature seems to be an " e " formed in Greek fashion. We will not follow the story ; let it suffice to say that the insult is amply avenged, to the utter loss and ruin of every one concerned. There are passages of merit in the story when

the author is not overweighted by a subject of which no natural or really artistic handling is possible.