The Ways of Rebellion. By Reginald Farrer. (Edward Arnold. 6s.)—The
author of this book will hardly succeed in making his readers believe in the final flight of such a woman-as the heroine, Elinor, with Michael Hallibon at the time when he is dying of Consumption. Elinor is married twice in the course of the story, the first time from worldly motives, and the second because, . being an absolute egoist, she finds herself delightfully secure and sheltered in the love of John Brandon. No doubt as, a girl she was in-love with Michael Hallibon, but she is far too worldly and cold-minded a personage suddenly to awaken to the fact that in spirit she belongs to him just at the moment when he is dying. The book would have been more interesting had the author given more prominence to Michael Hallibon's work and life after he has . Surrendered his fortune ; but these are only alluded to in general terms, While details are reserved for Elirior's career. Among the characters is a certain Princess Anne, whose ladies are in the habit of addressing her as " darling Ma'am." Can this really be a proper form of speech in such exalted circles ? The effect is extraordinarily ludicrous when set down in black and' white. It is difficfilt to believe that even so self-centred a person' as Elinor could have treated her friend Lucille in the way represented. That the cruelty of thoughtlessness could be carried quite so far is hardly credible.
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