12 DECEMBER 1891, Page 27

Millicent Simonds. By Frances Sweyn. (Religious Tract Society.) —The second

title of this story, "Through Cleansing Fires," indicates its character with tolerable accuracy. It indicates how a girl of capacity and character passes through the ordeals of mis- fortune, misinterpretation, and mistrust before she attains happi- ness in the form which nine out of ten girls wish it to take. The two Simonds families—Millicent and Kittie more particularly— are remarkably well sketched ; and so are the good Samaritans who help Millicent on her way. Arthur Newcomb, the curate whom Millicent ultimately marries, and Lady Gladys, who is instrumental in clearing Millicent's name, are rather common- place in their goodness. This, however, was perhaps inevitable.