27 JUNE 1868, Page 21

Bertram Pelham Pane. 2 vole. By Walter Brand. (Saunders and

Otley.)—Mr. Fans, who tells his own story, is a well born young gentle- man, of good property, good looks (though he is properly modest in letting us know this), and of moat unexceptionable character, altogether

think of anything that makes amends for the impossibility of a most desirable parti. He is kind enough to introduce us to a number believing one-half the narrative and of reconciling it with the other. of other excellent persons moving in good society, and he encourages those who are less fortunate in respect of worldly circumstances by tell- ing us how he bestowed his hand on a beautiful and virtuous young lady, whom poverty had compelled to become a teacher in a school. The good people meet with the success and happiness which they deserve, and the wicked person, after providing the proper amount of disturbance required for a plot, is summarily crushed under a carriage. We are disposed to doubt whether in this century English gentlemen and ladies have been kidnapped into Italian convents, and imprisoned till they renounced their faith. But the story, if it is not skilfully constructed, is at least harmless. No Commandments are broken, oven the wicked person is nothing worse than an unscrupulous fanatic, and the soundest sentiments, especially as to the insufficient incomes of the clergy, are every where inculcated.