The Fate of Valsec. By J. Bloundelle-Burton. (Methuen and Co.
6s.)—There is something dramatic in the way in which the old regime in Naples and the new regime in France are contrasted. Berthe de Croissant flies from the vengeance of Bourbon Princes in Italy to find herself in no less danger from revolutionists who have just guillotined a Bourbon Prince in France. Elsewhere, too, in Mr. Bloundelle-Burton's story there is the exhibition of considerable dramatic power. The whole story of the escape from Naples, especially the death of the assassin Caravaggio, and the scenes in Paris, among which may be particularly noticed the trial of the Marquis de Valsec, ci-devant Procureur-General, are excel- lent. The French Revolution has furnished materials for some good stories ; and The Fate of Valsec, if not of the first rank among them, may fairly claim a respectable place. This is not the first time that our author has found a theme in this period, and we hope that it may not be the last.
Previous page
