In the Universal Review for October, Lucas Malet begins a
new story, called "The Wages of Sin," which so far bids fair to maintain her reputation. There is a really admirable scene between two children, and a humorously tolerant Rector who takes the first place in the opening scenes is a living figure. —Dr. Hack Tuke does not contribute much towards a final definition of "Wit and Humour ;" but he does contribute some capital stories, of which those attributed to Dr. Coghlan, of Dublin, will be new in London. Disagreeable man he must have been, but genuinely witty. This is perfect, though savage :— " The late Dr. Coghlan, D.D., of Dublin, was a genuine wit. His former fellow-curate showed him with much exultation a plan of a sliding reading-desk he had contrived for the pulpit in St. Peter's, saying, I -want you to look at this, Coghlan, for it is entirely my own idea.' 'Yes,' said Ceghla.n, and I believe it is the only idea of yours that ever was in a pulpit.' "—Mr. Quilter fights a good battle for his friend Wilkie Collins, but does not succeed in persuading us that his memorial ought to be in West- minster Abbey. —We do not admire "The Triumph of the Cross," by Lady Dilke, a legend of mediteval times written in the style of the Old Testament; and our full recognition of Mr. George Meredith's genius must not prevent us from saying what we think of his poem called "J.ump-to-Glory Jane." With the exception of the first and last verses, it is from beginning to end poor stuff, without a poetical thought in it, or even charm of melody. To make it complete, it should have been illustrated, with Jump-to-Glory Jane converting the Bishop by high jumps.
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