20 APRIL 1889, Page 23

Kisses of Pate. By Edward Heron-Allen. (Belford, Clarke, and Co.,

Chicago, IT.S.A.)—The three tales which compose this book are of a somewhat melancholy and unpleasant nature. On his title-page Mr. Allen tells us that they are "a study of mere human nature." If so, we cannot help thinking that in his ex- periences he has been more than ordinarily unfortunate. It seems, indeed, a pity, for Mr. Allen writes well, and has a good deal of power. Perhaps before he next submits his studies in the interesting subject of humanity to the public, his lot will have been along pleasanter paths, or at any rate among people who are not so con- sistently unhappy.