Jack Doyle's Daughter. By R. C. Francillon. 3 vols. (Chatto
and Windus.)—Mr. Francillon's work is bound always to have a certain value, but we cannot think that this value is as great, or, let us say, as easily discernible in Tack Doyle's Daughter as in other tales of his which we could mention. " As easily dis- cernible" expresses the feeling which we fancy many readers will have that the story does not do justice to the author's powers. The characters are firmly drawn, those of Jack Doyle and Sir Charles being particularly good, and the dialogue is good, but the story is difficult to follow. It does not carry the reader with it; on the contrary, it requires a distinct effort on his part. This is a fault which destroys the effect of really good work. A plain story of not half the merit of Mr. Francillon's would please much more.
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