7 MARCH 1896, Page 24

The Demagogue and Lady Phayre. By William J. Locke. (W.

Heinemann.)—This is a powerful story in which the characters and circumstances of a not uncommon tragedy are skilfully com- bined. Daniel Goddard is a champion of the working class, not a paid agitator, but a genuine artisan. He is put, by the inheritance of an almost unknown relative, into a condition of independence, and the position and leisure which he gains with it he devotes with more energy than ever to the cause. But he has hampered himself with an engagement to a girl, of nature far inferior to his own. This he loyally carries out. But he is brought, half against his will, into a higher social sphere, and here he meets Lady Phayre. Further we will not follow the plot of Mr. Locke's story ; it will suffice to say that it is worked out very well, and must leave a strong impression on any reader.