The Fortunes of Tom Haswell, and Tom Haswell's Fortune. By
Mary Hayman. 2 vols. (Newby.)—This is a most melancholy and purpose- less story. The main subject of it is the hero's search for his sister, who has been shut up in a madhouse by some wealthy lady who wishes to prevent her son from entangling himself in a mesalliance on which he seems to be bent. The story so far has some resemblance to the Woman in White, but it is not managed with skill. We know nothing and can oare nothing about the young woman ; and when the catastrophe comes, and we hear of her death-in an almshouse close to the very place where her brother has been making so many plans for finding her, we feel little else but annoyance. Other characters are introduced, for the sake, it would seem, of heightening the general impression of misery ; and but one relief is permitted in the young sailor whom Tom Haswell assists in rising into the position of an officer. This is the only exception that can be made to the doleful remark that Tom Haswell's fortune was of "little real use, either to himself, or to those he had most cared for in the world." Miss Hayman sometimes writes with vigour, and makes re- marks of considerable point and force ; but it requires more literary merit than we can discern here to make so very dismal a story endurable.
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