Her Father's Name. By Florence Marryatt. 3 vols. (Tinsley Brothers.)—We
are inclined to think that the motive which makea Leona Evans employ the strangest devices, and sends her over the world on the strangest adventures, is not one which in real life is
practically operative. But in the conventional life of romance it is certainly recognised as irresistible, and we are not concerned to ques- tion its probability. Nor shall we discuss the question whether the incidents of her story are like truth. It could not be discussed without spoiling the effect of the author's story, the attraction of which lies chiefly in its plot. It is enough to say that this plot is skilfully put togethor, and holds the reader with a genuine interest. The novel does not want any close reading. The characters have nothing original or striking about them. Still, we do not know what is going to happen, and we want to know. That, we take it, is the effect that the writer wishes to produce, and is satisfied with producing. Add to this that the heroine at least is a distinct personality, and that one is really glad when she accomplishes her vow—whatever we may think about the probability of such vows—and we have said enough to show that we have a good opinion of Her Father's Name.
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