Two False Moves. By Jean Middlemass. 3 vols. (F. V.
White and Co.)—This latest book from the pen of Miss Middlemass will be found readable enough by the ordinary uncritical novel- devourer, for it is lively, and it contains plenty of story; but this is all that Can honestly be said in its praise. It is certainly a book which takes us into very sorry company, and the disagreeable- ness of enforced contemplation of quite a crowd of knaves ancl fools is not modified by any skill or originality in the delineation. Even Derek Home, the hero, who is evidently intended to be regarded as a very fine fellow, mentally as well as morally, acts throughout like an imbecile; and his true deserts are represented much more justly by his numerous misfortunes with which we.
are expected to sympathise, than by the good luck which comes to him at the close of the story. There is nothing in the novel to merit the attention of any cultivated reader, and Home's flirta- tions with that very objectionable married woman, Mrs. Belling- ham, are the reverse of edifying.
Previous page
