A Prince of Sinners. By E. Phillips Oppenheim. (Ward, Lock,
and Co. 6s.)—Mr. Oppenheim's "Prince of Sinners" does not seem to the reader quite so wicked a person as the author imagines. He is, of course, a Marquis. In fiction the villains of the Peerage are Marquises and Viscounts ; Dukes, Earls, and plain Lords behave rather better. This particular Marquis, although he has a seat in the House of Lords, suffers from the delusion that he is entitled also to a vote at a Parliamentary election. He says as much to the young election agent and solicitor who is in reality his deserted son. "I have a vote too, and you may count upon me.'—'I am very glad to hear it,' Brooks answered. Shall I put you down upon the list "to be fetched" P The Marquis laughed. 'I'll come without,' he declared ; 'I promise.' " The novel has a serious purpose,—the improvement.of trade in England by means of Protection. The usual Fair-trade arguments are advanced, and as they are, of course, not answered, look attractive enough. In spite, however, of its faults and absurdities, the book is read- able.
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