3 APRIL 1880, Page 25

Tender and Trite. By William Arthur Law. (Remington.)—Mr. Law's hero

improves as he goes on. The first impression, made by his soliloquy on p. 6, "What do I mean to do ? I'm banged if I know !" is scarcely favourable. We doubt whether he is likely to be " tender and true." Doubtless these are specially the heroine's qualities, but George Forrester in the end shows himself not unequal -to them. In fact, he is rather badly treated than otherwise. Of all the impossible difficulties which hinder a young woman from owning the truth, that which Mr. Law has invented for his heroine is the most extravagant. Apart from this, the story is well writt?n, and shows -some power both of humour and pathos in the author.—Bye-Words : a Collection of Tales, Old and New. By Charlotte M. Yonge. (Mac- millan.)—Some of these little stories are very good indeed. Of the -humorous kind we may single out" Our Ghost at Faulford." Of the more serious kind, may be mentioned "The Boy Bishop ;" and better, because giving more impression of reality, "Buy a Broom," a story of Charles V., in one of his more genial moods.