Black Abbey. By Mrs. Crommelin. 3 vols. (Sampson Low and
Co.)—This is another study of Irish life, not so distinct as the author's " Orange Lily," which we had the pleasure of noticing in these columns some months ago, but vivid and interesting. There is something dramatic about the character of " Bonnibel," of whom we instinctively feel, when we first aro introduced to her, as she is being taken to her new home at the ago of six years, that she is destined to be the evil genius of the history. And excellently worked out is her part. She does the greatest mischief, but yet we never quite hate her. The weakness of Hector and the self-devotion of Nanny are vigorously ponrtraycd; and the simple old Presbyterian minister is another good sketch. Old Mr. De Burgh is too repulsive; and one or two of the scenes in which he figures, as, e.g., that of his truel treatment of Nanny, might advantageously be retrenched.
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