The Heir Presumptive. By Florence Marryatt. 3 vols. (F. V.
White.)—It will probably suffice to give a brief sketch of the plot of this novel. Gladys Fuller marries Lord Moantoarron, not because she loves him, but because he is an earl and has thirty thousand a year. After the marriage, James Brooke, the Earl's cousin and "heir presumptive," appears upon the scene. Gladys conceives a great passion for him, which she avows with something like shame- lessness ; finally she agrees to fly with him, but at the last moment repents, partly because she loves her father, partly because she would cease to be a countess. Thus ends the first volume. In the second, James Brooke goes out to Alexandria, and there, in the com- panionship of a dying man, learns better things. Meanwhile, Lord Afountcarron and his wife become estranged ; he entangles himself with a flirtation which is very likely to end in an intrigue ; she begins to be lightly spoken of ; the cousin comes back, she tempts him in the most outrageous manner, but in vain ; the Earl is killed by an accident. The lovers marry and are happy ever after- wards. This, briefly told, is the story. As for the literary value of the book, it is of the smallest. The English is fairly correct, but there is no brilliancy, humour, wit, or pathos from begin- ning to end. In fact, the novel depends upon its plot for its attractions. Its attractions ! Is it possible that any human being can find pleasure in such things ? And yet there is an unfailing supply of these novels. They are published in cheap form ; apparently -they are read. Some people, we suppose, like to see a picture, how- ever poorly daubed, of the corrupt and useless life which they are themselves leading, or which they would lead if they. were rich enough or well placed enough in society.
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