19 DECEMBER 1891, Page 26

The Orphans of Merton Hall. By Emily Brodie. (Religious Tract

Society.)—This is openly, and from beginning to end, a reli- gious story, an attempt to prove that no life—not even domestic life—can be happy into which "love of God" does not enter Thus, in the end, the comparatively "worldly couple," Cyril and Olive, have a blind child sent them, first to humble, and then to bless them. The teaching of the book is that ordinary mis- fortunes are blessings in disguise. But while the purpose of this book is declared and obvious, it is not deficient in plot-interest of a kind. The introduction of the little dark-eyed stranger into the nursery at Merton Hall is skilfully managed.