The Beryl Stones. By Mrs. Alfred Sidgwick. (E. Arnold. 6s.)
—It is not often that a reviewer is sorry to finish a book. The Beryl Stones has given the writer of this notice that uncommon experience. It will not spoil the story to say that Ursula French,
the heroine, under pressure of the direst want, steals from among a number of Wedding presents a necklace of beryls, and sells it.
Some one finds it out and holds the knowledge in terrorem over her. We follow her as she goes through a long struggle with mingled pity and admiration, and are heartily sorry, as has been
said, to part with her when all is over. Ursula is an admirable figure, and everything else in the book is good. "Aunt Joanna" and Clara are, possibly, too detestable. But there is a whole troop of capital actors in the little drama. Mrs. Portinscale is the most entertaining, if not absolutely the best.
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