23 NOVEMBER 1889, Page 22

Sir Aylmer's Heir. By Evelyn Everett-Green. (Nelson.)—It is rather unfortunate

that in some respects this story should recall

and suggest a comparison with " Little Lord Fauntleroy." In both, the love, candour, and simplicity of a child work wonders upon the nature of an older relative. The resemblance between

the two books is, however, superficial ; such plot as Sir Aylmer's Heir possesses is, in all its essentials, quite original, and its author exhibits a great deal of skill in making little Eyton Desborough

the means of curing his uncle of scepticism and morbidity of temperament. The final transformation scene, in which the baronet, from being a moping recluse, becomes the head of a happy household and the benefactor of his species, is in every respect a fascinating one. The cause of Sir Aylmer's misogyny and unbelief in human nature seems, indeed, a trifle too slight ; but it is quite lost sight of in the story.