6 DECEMBER 1890, Page 13

The Twin Houses, and other Tales. By Anne Beale. (Religious

Tract Society.)—These seven tales of "real life," as the author describes them, are of very considerable merit. It is not easy to read them with a dry eye; but as there is always "a clear shining after rain," we leave off satisfied. On the whole, we prefer the tales of humble life to those which have to do with a higher sphere. " Adopted," for instance, which narrates the fortunes of two little waifs, "Allie " and " Grif," is admirable. " Quite a Lady," on the other hand, has a somewhat melodramatic tone.