Down in the Fiats. By Cleveden Kenn. (T. Fisher Unwin.)—
The author dedicates this story to three clergymen, whom he describes as "champions of sanitary Christianity ;" but it more than fulfils the expectation raised by this somewhat strange introduction. The "flats" are the low-lying neighbourhood of a manufacturing town, on which the enterprise of speculative builders has raised a suburb with little regard to the welfare of the inhabitants. It is here the scene is laid. But the author does not confine himself to the theme so indicated. It furnishes one important motive for the story ; but there are other interests, notably that of rational religion, which are mingled with it. Mr. Ringstone, Vicar of St. Apollos, is one of the men who preach cleanliness along with godliness. He is an admirable typo of parson, and every reader will be pleased when he persuades Clara St. Abbe to renounce her idea of a sisterhood to share his labours among the poor of Churchstowe.
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