Dr. Adrian. By D. Alcock. (R.T.S.)—This is "a story of
Holland" in the sixteenth century. It begins in the early days of the long struggle between Protestant and Catholic, it is carried on to the death of William the Silent. A tale carried on for twenty years or so is always somewhat difficult to manage, and Dr. Adrian might have been improved if the unity of time had been more considered. As it is, it is somewhat overweighted with matter. The author must be well provided to lavish it so abundantly. The hero, a studious physician, is well drawn, and his change from a somewhat contemptuous indifferentism to an energetic faith described with much force. Many of the scenes also, as, for instance, the great siege of Antwerp, are picturesquely given.—In the Hollow of His Hand. By Hesba Stratton. (Same publishers.)—Miss Hesba Stretton carries on here a subject which she took up in " The Highway of Sorrow," the persecution of the Stundists in Russia. She draws her materials from authorities which cannot be questioned. But for this the story would be almost incredible. "Does the Czar know of these things ?' one asks. And how about the Patriarchs and Archimandrites with whom our own prelates fraternise so affectionately ? They must be the prime movers in the whole business.—Yet another story of religious persecution is Steadfast and True : a Tale of the Huguenots, by Louisa C. Silks (same publishers). The story begins in 1685, and the scene is laid in France and in England, the refugees naturally seeking shelter in this country. The story is one of which we cannot weary. Nor, painful as it is, can we say that it ought not to be told again and again. We are far too ready to believe that these things belong to a "dead past."—From the same publishers we have also Charlie is My Darling, by Anne Beale, a cheaper reprint of a story which has had a considerable success.
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