27 SEPTEMBER 1873, Page 25

The Rose of Avondale. By Mary Elizabeth Parker. (Bush.)—This tale

has been commended to our notice by the statement that it is the work of a domestic servant. Wo cannot honestly say that it shows genius, or oven ability'; but it is written in very fair English, and is certainly a creditable exercise to have been composed by one who may be supposed not to have had much experience or many opportunities of composition. The story, which is, of course, about love, we found tedious, and in fact, after a while unreadable. We should recommend Miss Parker to be satisfied with the achievement, which she can certainly boast, of writing better English than many mistresses, and not attempt original work again.