30 JANUARY 1897, Page 10

The Underside of Things. By Lilian Bell. (Sampson Low, Marston,

and Co.) —This is a good story which we can recom- mend to our readers without hesitation. Gordon Counselman and Alice Copeland, who may be called the hero and heroine of the tale, are particularly good studies. We are gradually led on to see what is wanting in Alice's nature. The tragedy of the ending looks too sad, but perhaps it was the best ending after all.