ordinary domains of novel-writers. In the story before us there
is plenty of liveliness, though no attempt at the direct drollery of the book that first drew the universal attention of the public to its author.
It is curious that Mr. Habberton and Mr. Howells, both American novelists, have almost simultaneously chosen the same subject,—the visit to New York for a temporary purpose of a young farmer who ends by remaining there. Bat there the parallel ceases, for while
Mr. Habberton is a lively and pleasant teller of a story, he cannot claim to stand at all on the same level with Mr. Howells, whose subtle perception and delicate delineation of every phase of character—
especially of the female character—is altogether unrivalled amongst modern American writers. Howells describes real persons and events. Mr. Habberton leans towards the caricaturist in his dealings
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