Oliver of the Mill. By Maria Louisa Charlesworth. (Seeleys.)— This
story is not likely to have the singular success which was attained by the writer's previous work, "Ministering Children," yet it is in some respects superior. The pathos is more refined. The effect sought is worked out by more delicate touches. Still we should not question the verdict which will probably pronounce it to be "a falling- off." Indeed, the defects of the story are at once obvious and import- ant. Its construction is to the last degree unskilful, and more than once the motives and actions of the characters are provokingly incom- prehensible. But the book abounds in truly artistic touches, and there are scenes and sketches of character in it which show a very high degree of literary skill. Mistress Crisp, with her severity gradually unbending itself under the influence of affection, and old Benoni, the Jew, are personages which It must have required no common pen to draw. Oliver of the Mill will probably not need our recommendation, but we gladly give it to a book of genuine worth, and full of sweet and
piety.
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