The Changeling of Brandlescrme. By Roma White. (A. D. Innes
and Co.)—Although a little too long drawn out, this is a very readable and conscientiously written historical romance dealing with the commencement of the struggle between Cavaliers and Roundheads, and the introduction of the " martyr " Earl of Derby is managed with a considerable amount of skill. The " changeling " Roger Hay is rather a disappointment. He is mischievous, but not more mischievous than a lad of purely human origin and inspiration can be ; and, indeed, he turns out to be the son of a Colonel Kaye who figures in the story, and who has lost his wife. Abiathar, the dwarf, makes up for him in this respect ; and, on occasions this character lends itself to farcicality. Christabel, the heroine, is a delightful study of a girl of spirit whose best and most feminine qualities are brought out by a troublous period such as the commencement of the Civil War. The results of that struggle in dividing houses and setting relatives by the ears are admirably brought out. Altogether, The Changeling of Brandlesome is in point of literary execution, plot, interest, and fidelity to the spirit of a historical pericd, very much above the average of the class of romance to which it belongs.
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