23 NOVEMBER 1889, Page 23

Quite Unexpected, by Ismay Thorne (Gardner, Darton, and Co.), is

a very pretty story of the sudden invasion of a peaceful old bachelor's house by a handful of young nephews and nieces, and the consequences of their "quite unexpected" arrival. It is better not to disclose these, as not only the young, for whom the book is intended, but perhaps older readers even more, should enjoy the mingled humour and pathos at first-hand. The writer knows children and their ways well. "Uncle Jasper" is perhaps rather too wise for his years, but his medical training, and the great sorrow of which hints are given, may sufficiently account for his unlikeness to most young men. The illustrations are exceed- ingly well drawn.