LUCY FIELD'S TWIN SISTERS..
SOME observation of lifer in a limited sphere, with a pleasant style, and a power of naturally sustaining a commonplace dia- logue, are the principal merits of The Twin Sisters. Several of the persons are true in conception ; but they are too natural, rather perhaps too common for fiction, which requires a certain elevation of character, and the avoidance of lowering faults or vices. The events connected with the production of the denouement appear rather derived from novels than life. Of the persons, an old maiden aunt—a cold haughty stepmother, envious of her daughter-inlaw's superior sense, beauty, and accomplishments—with a pseudo man of fashion—a roué—and a squire who succeeds to a baronetcy, and marries the heroine when the old unworthy suitor is got rid of— are all old acquaintances, under new names and perhaps new cir- cumstances.
The object of the story is to point the obvious moral of the su- perior advantages possessed by good temper, rational expectations, and industry, in Amy Courtney, over a covered but lofty pride, unrestrained passion, and an unreasonable disposition, as displayed in Inez. By the ready resource of their father's death, insolvent, Amy and Inez have to "go out" The impetuous nature of Inez attaches her to a man, and cherishes the passion after his marriage with another woman ; throwing herself away at last on a low, elderly, dissipated baronet. Her sister Amy, who teaches drawing, allows herself to coquette a degree too much for a perfect heroine ; suffers from the worthlessness of a weak, goodnatured man, to whom she has been attached from youth ; and when the engagement is broken off, marries the son of her patroness.
Besides the incidents necessary to carry on the story, there are a good many only slightly related to it which serve to portray the annoyances to which governesses have to submit, and traits of foolish or upstart people. These are drawn with a commonplace yet an exaggerated air. The writer possesses some of the qualities of a novelist ; but they must be enlarged by observation, strengthened by study, and cultivated into art, before she can pro- duce a first-rate novel.
As an example of the quiet manner which is the writer's best, the following may be taken. Amy boards at the house of a medi- cal practitioner ; whose assistant, an awkward, half-educated young man, is deeply smitten with her. Although attached to another swain, Amy permits Mr. Sparks's devotion, till it is rather plainly spoken of by a rival ; which leads to this scene.
"The deep impression Miss Courtney had made on the susceptible feelings of poor Walter, she had long before discerned; and indeed it needed little penetration to do so, as half-a-dozen words from him, when Amy was their subject, would amply have sufficed to enlighten the most obtuse as to the state of his heart. All these things considered, it was not to be won- dered at that Mrs. Greville looked grave, or that the pause which ensued, when Amy had concluded her history, or rather her confession, was long enough to put her nerves on the rack, and to make her glad even to be re- proved by her venerable companion, instead of continuing longer under such an ordeal. " 'It is not the first time I have ventured to trespass on your patience, by a hint on the subject of Mr. Sparks, Miss Courtney the old lady began. " "Miss Courtney!" ' interrupted Amy, 0, Mrs. Greville, do not call me "Miss Courtney !" do not talk of "trespassing on my patience," or I shall begin to believe I have really been wicked, when I am sure I only felt afraid of having been a little thoughtles% at the very worst.' " 'My dear,' resumed Mrs. Greville, mildly, what you call "only a little thoughtless," towards Walter Sparks, may, perhaps, if the truth were known, be more properly described by the other harsher word you used. Forgive me,' she added, seeing Amy start, and look aghast ; I know this is severe ; but has it never occurred to you how you would yourself feel, if any one sought you, tried to attract you with no serious purpose, or remote expecta- tion even, of returning your affection? Can you not fancy something of what you would endure if deserted and forgotten as soon as other objects of interest intervened ? Yet this is precisely the suffering you are preparing for poor Walter.'
"Amy was struck to the heart. It seemed to her as if Mrs. Grevillo were describing her own fate, and as if the conduct she was denouncing might be the counterpart of Frank Bergam's treatment of herself. The tears rolled fast down her cheeks, and she could only repeat, 0, Mrs. Greville !' in a voice broken by sobs. " The kindhearted woman was instantly moved by her distress.
" 'I see your temptations, my dear girl,' she said, tenderly : you are of a sociable nature, and are out off sadly here from companionship with those of your own age; but it is a very dangerous game you are playing: how can you tell the mischief you do to your own good heart by feeding it on such a devotion as this poor lad is like to feel for you, to say nothing of him at all ?' " I see—I see it all, dearest Mrs. Greville ! do not say any more ; you cannot think the pain you give me. I never thought for a moment, and I
do not now that Mr. Sparks really feels anything like' — she hesitated and
blushed very deeply ; the name of love was as yet holy to her young heart, and not, therefore, lightly to be spoken ; but' she presently added, 'I have still done very wrong, for I own,'—and here the ingenuous colour again mounted to her brow,—' I confess, with deep shame, that I have encouraged him sometimes—that-in short, to speak the plain the humiliating truth, I liked his admiration, and, in that mean and selfish pleasure, forgot him al- together.' 'There was something noble and touching in her candour, as she uttered this avowal with such sincere, such evident suffering and repentance."
et,The Twin Sisters: a Novel- By Lucy Field, Author of "The Two Friends." In three volumes. Published by Chapman.
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