Truth Dexter. By Sidney McCall. (C. A. Pearson. 6s.)—The situation
of this novel is the well-worn one of the inginue from the provinces suddenly married by the case-hardened man of society, and transplanted from her native wilds into the hotbed of an over-civilised community. Waiting to pounce upon the innocent bride is the corrupt woman who had the husband in her toils while he was still a bachelor, and standing near, the wiser matron who extends the helping hand. But this situation, which in the English novel is apt to drag nervelessly on lines of decadence, is handled by Mr. McCall with primitive vitality and violence. The wicked woman is alternately the most brilliant genius, the most seductive siren, a virago, and a charming lady. The husband oscillates between the crude impulsiveness of youth that his years do not warrant, and the cynical tone of a grey-haired barrister of Boston. His reasons for marrying the Alabama heiress are so extraordinary that we can only accept in blind faith the author's assertion that he did not do it from mercenary motives. There are some very pretty touches of description in connection with the Alabama home, and the insight given into the minds of the well-bred Southern family is interest- ing. But the sketch of the English statesman, and the very peculiar dialect he is made to talk, suggest a doubt as to the accuracy of the observation that has gone to the making of the book. Possibly, when dining with Americans, English Peers " who have been in many Cabinets " may become " immersed in their soup." But "newt" for not, " plahn " for plan, and "A-may-ricks" for America do not strike us as happy render- ings of their usual pronunciation of their Mother-tongue.
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