19 FEBRUARY 1887, Page 24

situation which the author conceives is a fine one. James

Douglas, delicate, refined, and cultured, and Robert Halliday, a sturdy son of the plough who has educated and raised himself, are both bent on missionary work, and both love the same woman. Then to James come simultaneously two offers, one of them in the quiet parish of Awenleas, the other of a mission in Afghanistan. He pasties on the latter to his friend, whom he feels to be more fit for it than he is himself ; he stands aside and lets him win the woman whom he loves, and in after-years he devotes his leisure and his means to helping their children ; and his devotion is taken as a matter of course. Miss Tytler has done her work with maoh skill.