16 JUNE 1888, Page 23

Mr. B. L. Farjeon has done much better work than

is to be found in his new three-volume novel, Miser Farebrother (Ward and Downey). The uncritical novel-devourer will probably read it with interest, because it has a plot which will excite his curiosity ; but it is altogether deficient in interest of a higher kind, and even the plot is marred by carelessness, improbability, and actual absurdity. One thing, however, may always be said in praise of the work of Mr. Farj eon. Like that of his master, Dickens, it is absolutely void of offence.