Constantia. By the Author of "One Only." 2 vols. (Sampson
Low and Co.)—The complications which are necessary in order that a love- story may be properly prolonged are commonly a little tiresome. Our author manages them with more than ordinary skill. Mrs. Craik, the in- triguing little woman, who sets everything wrong, is a really natural and possible character, and her contrivances are credible. But if the first volume of the novel, which tells how the wooing began and how it ended, is anyhow readable, the second, which describes the heroine's life after her dream of happiness is over, and the growth of her character, is more than readable. In truth, we have not often seen a study of the kind which has pleased us more. Constantia at Templecombe is a pretty picture, which any one who makes acquaintance with it will not easily forget. We must not omit to give a special word of praise to the quaint and truthful sketch of old Mr. Luttrell.
Previous page
