A Lady of Wales. By the Rev. Vincent J. Leatherdale.
(Horace Cox.)—This "Story of the Siege of Chester" belongs, as may be supposed, to the latter days of the great struggle between King and Parliament. Mr. Leatherdale seems to have studied the history of the period carefully, and has constructed out of his materials, which have been usefully illustrated by some local knowledge, a readable tale. Possibly it is a little too long; three hundred pages and a " bittock " would have been better than four hundred with the same addition. Mr. Leatherdale must learn that nothing should be admitted into a story which does not further the action, explain the motives, or make distinct the personalities of the character. Of course this need not be interpreted too literally. The writer of fiction is allowed his ornamenta, and even his digressions—if they are so good as to excuse themselves—but he must be careful not to exceed a very moderate privilege. But there is good promise in A Lady of Wales, and we shall look with interest for another effort,—only not too soon.
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