30 JUNE 1894, Page 11

The Man in Black. By Stanley J. Weyman. (Cassell and

Co.) —Mr. Stanley Weyman has made a certain period of French history in- a peculiar Sense his own domain. If anything was wanted, aftr the brilliant success of the "Xouse of the Wolf "

and "A Gentleman of France," to prove his title, it might be found in this story. The plot is skilfully contrived, the characters impressive, the dialogue vivid. No more sombre and powerful figure than Solomon Notredame, astrologer and poisoner, has ap- peared in recent fiction ; no more pathetic one than that of the hapless wife of M. de Vidoohe. And then in the final scene, when the contemplated crime is made known, and along with it the mystery of " Lochan de Bault, Seigneur of I know not where," &o., is revealed, the writer's powers reach their culminating height.