The Angel and the Outcast. By G. Colmore. (Hutchinson and
Co. 6s.)—If Tan, the "outcast" of the title, is an unattractive and drink-sodden figure, Lilian, the "angel," must be pronounce' to ho an uncompromising prig. These two women axe sisters by blood, but Lilian is, and remains, unconscious of this fact, having been adopted by gentlefolks in early childhood and brought up to believe that she is their real daughter. The book does not escape the reproach of being a novel with a purpose, for it is impossible that any author should have inflicted upon his readers such ghastly descriptions of the doings in a slaughter- house had he not a mission of reform in his mind. The womea of the story are realised in much greater detail than the men, who are, indeed, rather pale and shadow-like. There is a great deal of good stuff in the book, but the constant necessity of con- trasting scenes of darkness with scenes of light gives an effect of patchiness. The reader knows too well that each of the chapters which deal with society will be followed by a chapter which deals with drink and the slaughter-house, and the knowledge is apt in the end to get a little upon his nerves. The concluding catas- trophe is not very convincing, but it gives Lilian the opportunity of bringing her love affairs to a successful and respectable conclusion, while ridding her effectually and for ever of the presence of the "outcast."
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