A Man of Plain Speech. By "M. E." (Headley Brothers.)—
This is an " Account of the Youth and Adventures of Alexander Jaffray, Member of the Society of Friends." The hero, if a Friend can be called a " hero " without offence, was a real personage, but nothing is known about him except the facts of his apprentice- ship and marriage. "M. E." has, therefore, constructed a little story, the details of which are filled in with particulars from various books of the time,—the latter part of the seventeenth century. A good deal of pains has evidently been taken with the book, and the result is satisfactory, giving a graphic picture of one interesting aspect of the times. We suppose that the old Adam remained even in young Friends, and that Alexander might have actually " come to blows " with Hugh. But would Jaffray the elder have addressed Hugh as "young Sir " ?
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