2 NOVEMBER 1889, Page 42

In Thoughtland and in Dreamland. By Elsa D'Esterre - Keeling. (T. Fisher

Unwin.)—We do not know whether this volume is rightly classed under the head of "Gift-Books ;" but we are sure that it would be a good book to give. It contains between fifty and sixty short sketches of persons and places. The subjects are very various. Now it is a little maid-of-all-work in a London lodging, now a child whom her nurse has left alone before she has said her prayers (a very charming little piece), now two girl- artists, one pretty and one plain ; but whatever the subject, it is always touched with grace and tenderness. " Glints through the London Fog" is the title of the longest of the, ten divisions ; but we are taken elsewhere, to Scotland, to Germany, even to Russia, and, it must not be forgotten, to Ireland. We cannot resist the temptation of quoting- "LOVE-MAIING IN PADDY-LAND. UNDER KITTY'S WINDOW.

• Ah, then I who is that there talking 7'

' Sure, it's only me, ye know. I was thinkin we'd go walkin"—

' Wor ye rely thinkin'

()oh, ye needle be so cruel, An' me thradged this siven mile—' 'Is it cruel, Michael, jewel, Sure I'm dressing all the while !'

BEFORE MICHAEL'S COTTAGE.

There, now, that's me cottage, Kitty.' Is it, Mike P'

Tie, an' isn't it pretty P'

' Wm—lonesome-like.'

'Lonesome !' (Now's y'r minute !

Michael, strike I)

' Sure, if you wer in it —'

' Arrah. Mike ! ' "