John Clifford. By W. Earl Hodgson. (Remington.)—This is a -clever
book, though it certainly cannot be called a good novel. It is not too much to say that the plot is somewhat farcical, with just a touch of melodrama. A Scotch minister (surely the most " larky" of his class) answers a matrimonial advertisement in the name of another member of the club to which he belongs. This member is a " prominent " Conservative who is looking out for some reward for his political services that will help his social ambition. He and the advertiser meet, very much at cross-pur- poses, for he is looking out for a knighthood and she for a husband. And here is another absurdity : for the advertiser is a charming and beautiful girl ; nor could there be anything more lame than the reasons which are given for her taking this extraordinary step. But enough for a criticism of the plot. The writing of the story is nothing less than brilliant in parts, and the characters, what- ever fault we may find with their relations to each other, are drawn with precision and in a most effective way. The book is thoroughly readable, with a possible exception of the political -conversation.
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