A Will Made in Haste, by Grace Stebbing (Jarrold and
Sons), is a very artistic combination of a story with a purpose and a sensational novel. One is reminded just a little of the younger Martin Chuzzlewit and Mark Tapley by the experiences and con- versations in a new Texan town of Harry Baumgarten and his friend and mentor, Harold Hedley. But Hedley, with his activity, resourcefulness, optimism, and "What next ?" is an essentially original character ; and Sambo, the negro, who watches over the
young hero and his master, Baumgarten, is quite good enough to have found a place in the black gallery of the late Mr. E. P. Roe.
There is an abundance, if not a superabundance, of hairbreadth escapes, conflagrations, and floods; the villain Warley becomes at times almost brutish in his repulsiveness ; and the marriages at the end are too hurriedly arranged. But Miss Stebbing " doubles " her role of artist and moralist with undoubted skill.
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