The Grey Lady. By H. M. Seton. (Smith and Elder.)—As
to the "grey lady" from whom the story takes its title, we are inclined to say with one of the characters, "We did not know that such women were." Anyhow she is not interesting, even if she is possible, nor is she indispensable to the story. Her chief use is to show off the folly and meanness of the people who flatter her in hopes of inheriting a wealth which does not exist. The two brothers are an excellently drawn pair. Though we can hardly accept Mr. Seton's moral, if moral it is to be called, that examinations do more harm than good, it is impossible to refuse our sympathy to the unfortunate Jack. The scene of the ship- wreck is BA fine a thing as we have met with for many a day, and the irony of fate, by which the man loses the reward for which he has sinned, is tragical indeed. A word of praise for the fine old sailor, Eve's uncle, for Eve herself, and for the Spanish noble must not be forgotten. Altogether The Grey Lady is a tale to be read.
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