2 JUNE 1877, Page 23

Loyal and True. 3 vols. (Tinsley Brothers.)—We should not be

dis- posed to object to the hero and heroine of this tale any particular want of "loyalty and truth," but when we are challenged by a title which seems to proclaim them as models of these virtues, we protest. The two are attached, but each makes another marriage before they are finally united, the heroine's marriage being peculiarly unintelligible. She seems to have positively hated her husband, and almost dies of syncope when be kisses her in the vestry after the ceremony. This does not promise well for their married life, and she was therefore peculiarly fortunate when, at the cost of being nearly drowned herself, she was relieved of the object of her aversion by his yacht being cut down on the afternoon of the wedding day. There is nothing else remarkable about the book, except indeed it be the grammar. For instance, we are told of some Wingates, who "had distinguished themselves more especi- ally by their fidelity to the Royal cause during the Rebellion, but which unhappily impoverished them subsequently, and brought them no recom- pense at the Restoration; " and of one Jack Dalyell, the son of a farmer. whom Mr. Hawke "had done his best, and bad succeeded, to ruin." Perhaps we ought to have said that the lawyer is a remarkable person. He forges a will out of jealousy, and on confession of his fault, is re- tained as the family solicitor. "I shall put a trust in you now that I never did before, Hawke," and surely this trusting gentleman must be added to the catalogue of remarkable things.