The Magic Ink, and other Tales. By William Black. (Sampson
Low, Marston, and Co.)—Of the three tales Mr. Black has given us, we must select " A Hallowe'en Wraith " as the best. Tho author's delicate touch, his complete sympathy with the impressionable Highland nature, at once place his stories of Highland life above others, however much we may admire grace and literary expression. " The Magic Ink" and "Nancibel," excellent in their way, espe- cially the last, where the hero attempts to follow out the idea in " The Miller's Daughter" of the Laureate, do not impress us with that indefinable interest with which the glamour of superstition clothes the story of Hector McIntyre's wraith. Still, the doubts and fears of Nancibel as to the interview with her future, or rather possible, mother-in-law, are beautifully imagined, and as truthful an expression of her feelings as a poet might well construct. Mr. Black is ever a subtle and literary magician of the highest order, and we recognise this once again in The Magic Ink, and other Tales.
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