12 SEPTEMBER 1896, Page 24

Theatricais : an Interlude, and other Sketches. By the Author

of " Miss Molly." (W. Blackwood and Sons.)—The author of" Miss Molly" writes well, but, with the one exception of "Felicity Brooke," a bright and attractive story, these sketches are not pleasing. A reader must be very fond of sentiment, and like to have its sweetness—sickliness—long drawn out, to enjoy them. The vast demand for short stories calls forth a supply which is sadly wanting in some of the qualities which we used to expect in a story. It is impossible to furnish a plot at the price. All that can be done is to supply an idea, or what may pass for it, and the most effective and cheapest idea is love for the wrong man or the wrong woman.