25 JANUARY 1879, Page 22

The Disturbing Element ; or, Chronicles of the Blue-Bell Society.

By Charlotte N. Yonge. (Marcus Ward.)—Some young ladies, living at a sea-side place, agree to study together for some of the examina- tions which now beset the path of woman, as they have long beset the path of man. To them comes the "disturbing element," first, in the shape of a teacher, so shy that he seems to be the disturbed rather than the disturber, but who, nevertheless, has his part to play in the- drama which follows. This is slight in texture, but skilfully put together ; the young woman of action loves the student ; the studious girl, who yet shows that she can act on occasion, loves the man of action. So we have " accipitri juncta colamba," and the converse, as is the fashion of human animals.