The Story of Mary Dunne. By M. E. Francis (Mrs.
Francis Blundell.) (John Murray. Gs.)—A deeper note is sounded by Mrs. Blundell in her new novel than any that her readers are accustomed to hear from her. The story of Mary Dunne is heartrending, for the unfortunate girl is kidnapped at Liverpool and becomes a victim of the infamous white slave traffic. Mrs. Blundell, in a footnote, says that though recent legislation has improved matters much still remains to be done. But Mrs. Blundell, like many other people, suggests no remedy. Turning to the aspect of the book as fiction, we may say that it is written with the author's accustomed grace and ease of style, and the portraits of country people (this time Irish people) are charmingly sketched. Father Delaney is a particularly delightful figure, and all readers of the book will wish that they had had an opportunity of meeting him in real life.
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