7 NOVEMBER 1896, Page 12

A Girl's Loyalty. By Frances Armstrong. (Blackie and Son.) —The

dying man who gives some half-understood directions as to an unknown will is a familiar figure in fiction. To speak candidly it is just a little hackneyed, and Miss Armstrong may raise a prejudice against herself by beginning her story with the situa- tion. For the story itself is fresh, and in parts even powerful. The chief criticism that we have to make is that the interest is divided. The girl is "loyal," both to Uncle Guy and to young Howard. Still, both developments of the plot are good ; "Mouse" herself is admirably drawn. She is almost too good, for she is a marvellous combination of tenderness, acuteness, and courage.