27 DECEMBER 1890, Page 23

Christie's Next Things. By the Author of " Mrs. Morse's

Girls." (Religious Tract Society.)—We may explain that "Do the next thing," is the motto which Christie Gilbert chooses for her rule of conduct, and which she applies to life with excellent effect. The story is American, and we hear, not without entertainment, of the doings in the Women's Colleges over there. " I did think I was going to have a nice graduating dress," cries one unhappy young lady, who is contemplating in despair a deplorable silk rag which her aunt has sent her for the occasion. The students frankly avow that the dress is quite as important to them as the diploma. May it long continue to be so ! When women cease to care about dress, it will be an evil day for the other half of mankind.