19 MARCH 1887, Page 25

Hall-Way. By Miss Betham-Edwards. 2 vole. (Sampson Low tuul Co.)—Miss

Betham-Edwards's novel has for its central figures a young man who resolves to be a priest, and a young lady who is equally determined to be a deaconess. An ordinary constructor of plots would have made a match between the two. Our author knows better than this. Both find their fate elsewhere, and in one of a different nationality and faith. This difference causes some diffi- culties, of which an excellent use is made, with the result that we get as pleasant a tale as we have aeen for some time. It would be un- grateful not to make special mention of the admirable Mrs. Brindle, a faithful nurse, "English of the English," who finds herself trans. planted into France, and adapts herself, not without protest, to her surroundings.