Sisters and Wires. By Sarah Tytler. (Smith and Elder).—The tale
consists of three books, bound together by a certain family connection between the principal personages whose doings are recorded in them, but otherwise distinct. All three are good, all show the delicate, skil- ful drawing of character, drawing which seems to us nearly, if not quite as good in the male as in the female figures, which distinguishes Miss Tytler ; but the best of the three is the second, "Won in an Hour." The quiet humour of the principal scene is highly enjoyable. Miss Janetta, a spinster in danger of old-maidism, is amazed by the too manifest admiration of a certain Mr. Duke, a rich tradesman neighbour. Mr. Duke is called to account, promises to make an apology, insists upon making it in person, and improves the occasion to declare his attachment. The helpless surprise of the young lady, her inability to resist her audacious suitor, and the resolution with which, having accepted him, she sticks to her purpose in spite of indignant friends and family,—all this is capitally done. So is the development of her char- acter when, her husband's prosperity meeting with a check, she forsakes the ease and luxury of her country house, puts herself by his side at the shop, and learns to give him excellently good help. Altogether a volume which we can very heartily recommend.
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