20 MARCH 1886, Page 22

Thereby. By Fayr Madoc. 2 vols. (Blackwood and Sons.)—This is

a somewhat strange story, less happy, we are inclined to say, in its general conception than in the details of its execution. The cen- tral figure is an ex-Bishop, artist, philosopher, and millionaire. He has in his mind to repair by a family alliance some wrong that has.

been done in his youth. The adopted son who is to carry out his purpose has a magnificent scheme for banishing disease from the world. All this has the look of romance, and fits in but indifferently with the modern dress and modern surroundings of the story. But there are good things in it, more good things certainly than we find in the average two volumes. Mrs. Vaynshaw, for instance, with her talk about her daughter, is a quite delightful person ; and Eva, the actress, is no less skilfully drawn.