20 DECEMBER 1890, Page 25

Eventide Light. By Emma Marshall. (John F. Shaw.)—This is a

good specimen of the historical novel, specially intended for boys and girls, and suited to their capacities. Treating of the Armada period of history, it recounts the remarkable experiences of "the only child and sole heiress of Sir Arthur Dakyns, Knt., of Hackness, near to Scarborough," who has three husbands, the first and favourite being Walter Devereux, brother of the Earl of Essex, and the second, Thomas Sidney, brother of the historical Philip. This story, into which incidentally a good deal is intro- duced about the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, and other facts which are part and parcel of ordinary British history, is supposed to be told by the waiting-woman and companion of Dame Margaret Hoby—as Sir Arthur Dakyns's daughter comes ultimately to be designated, from her taking a third husband— who has her own vicissitudes in love, that end in temporary happi- ness. Eventide Light is a very agreeable and historically well- sustained story, although the ostensible heroine, Dame Margaret, is a trifle too meek, and too submissive to her surroundings.