A Life's Remorse. By the Author of "Molly Bawn." (White
and Co.)—We are almost inclined to prefer A Life's Remorse to "Molly
Bawn." Some of the characters may not excite our sympathy as much, though they are equally true to life, but the writer has never shown a keener insight into human foibles, or a readier grasp of the little weaknesses and petty customs of society. With no unkind bias or morose views of life, her satire is yet so keen, and her sense of the ludicrous so acute, as to actually engrave some scenes and characters on the reader's mind. One can only praise the dialogue, particularly the sharp cut-and-thrust encounters ' between Lady Stamer and Mrs. Vaudrey. These two ladies are, indeed, perhaps the best creations of the kind which the author of "Molly Bawn" has given us ; and the yray in which they gird at each other forms one of the most vivid sketches of social manners that has appeared in any three-volume novel. Eaton Stamer, the rude but honest lover, is a natural character of the first order, and Blount is an even better one as a specimen of the blundering, humorous, good-natured type. The heroine, though she has many loveable attributes, we cannot call a great success.
The motive which gives to the story its title seems to us the only weak part of the story. It is not quite in harmony with the rest
of the tale, nor yet with the writer's vein. Nevertheless, this is one of the best novels which has appeared for some time, and for those who can appreciate happy satire and humour, broad yet touched with masterly skill, we would recommend A Life's Rertorss.
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