Under Love's Rule. By M. E. Braddon. (Simpkin, Marshall, and
Co.)—The story is not constructed with any special skill, and is, so far, unequal to what we expect from Miss Braddon. But there is very good work in it. The general purpose might be described by the title of the second chapter, "How the Rich Live." Mr. Lerwick, the weak inheritor of wealth made by great merchants in the past, and his empty-headed wife are admirable pictures. So are the three spoilt boys, their sons, who are differentiated with the skill characteristic of the author. All the characters, indeed, are vivid pictures. The more difficult task of describing a change or growth of nature is well done. Though Ellinor Lerwick had very little in her head, she had something in her heart, and when circumstances call it forth, she shows that she can do a mother's duty, and we accept the meta- morphose without surprise.
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