Under Shadow of the Mission. By L. Studdiford McChesney. (Methuen
and Co.)—This book reminds us not a little of Sir Arthur Helps. It is chiefly made up of dialogue on the serious topics of morals, religion, and life; dialogue which is always thoughtful and sometimes brilliant. There is a slender thread of story, just enough to bind the whole together, and there is something that gives a human interest to the speakers, making them more than mere vocal figures. Thus the atmosphere of the place, a sub- tropical region, whither people go to escape the rigours of a northern climate, is skilfully given. The question of woman's position, the movement to put her on a level with man in employ- ment and privilege, is, perhaps, the most important subject treated. The following is a good specimen of the book :—" Un- due narrowness of life, with accepted subjection to the natures and laws of the dominant sex, developed the virtue of patience under wrong-doing, fortitude under suffering, and spiritual up- looking, as escape from the unjust condition of life. But the acceptance of injustice develops faults likewise ; the cowardice which seeks subterfuge, rather than dare hopeless conflict, and the moral irresponsibility which results from bearing penalties, so generally the result of the wrong-doing of those in power."
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