The Sun.
London, England, 1864-12-06 00:00:00

ding," is a pleasantly told narrative of a young wife's
domestic troubles, prettily illistrated by Florence Claxton.
The principal story in the magazine, "The Ordeal for
Wives," is brought to a conclusion, and all its heroines
are finally settled into married life, which is fortunate, for
what such flighty and foolish young women,having not one
solitary idea of the duties or pleasures, or affections of life,
except in relation to their lovers, would do in single lite, it
is very difficult to imagine. We hear a great deal about
Esther Fleming's goodness, sense, and strength of mind,
but the only way in which she exhibits them in the story
is in an utter abandonment of maidenly reserve and con-
ventional propriety. The heroes are worthy of their
inamorata. Paul Chichester's conduct, so highly praised,
is absurdly inconsistent ; either the sacrifice was not de -
mended from him, or it should have been carried out, and
while he intended carrying it out his conduct to Esther was
inexcusable. Lord Feitham is common place enough,
while Arthur Peel is a mere vulgar money hunter. But
when young ladies comport themselves atter the " fast "
fashion of these damsels,. they must not expect too much
from their knights. "The Three Exchanges in the
Strand " is an interesting paper, and among the contents
are a sketch on "Charades," an essay on "Reserved Men,"
"A Story of a Model," and "A Chapter on Christmas
Decorations."
BENTLEY'S MISCELLANY.—The Editor's new
story of "The House of Seven Chimneys" already
noticed in The Sun, occupier, as it deserves to do,
the most prominent place in this number. It re-
lates, as already intimated, to that favourite epoch
with poets, dramatists, and novelists, when Prince
Charles and Buckingham took their romantic
journey to Spain in quest of a bride for the young heir of
England—a journey whose actual result, though far dif-
ferent from what was intended, was no less romantic than
its purpose. The French almanacks for 1865 form the
subject of an amusing paper. Signor Tomkins's adventures
continue in a style sufficient to frighten any soberly-dis-
posed Englishman from attempting a foreign tour. A new
story from the German is also begun which promises
interest. Francis Jacox takes another cue from Shakspeare
in the unwelcome newabringer. He vividly describes the
natural anger and indignation felt by the sufferer against
the innocent inflicter of his pain ; and instances are easily
multiplied, not from Shakspeare alone. " A Group of
French Painters" gives an account of some Continental
notabilities which is worth reading,
MR. ROMFORD'S HOUNDS.—This sketch of sport-
ing life is continued, and we meet with some stir-
ring scenes ia' the course of its perusal. Mr.
Rumford goes on in his usual rough and ready style,
forming a strange contrast with his inelegant at-
tire and unpolished address to " Lucy," who is
always dressed cap-a-pie, and full of seductive blandishments
and flattering language. Money, or the show of it, however,
enables them to get on famously, although, doubtless, we
shall soon witness some reverse of their good fortune. Mr
Romford makes a good thing out of an ingenious dodge,
" How to spell cat," in which, of course, everyone guesses
all sorts of unsuitable means of orthography until the won-
derful secret comes out that they never thought of doing it
the right way. Mr Mazey's character is cleverly drawn,
and his devices to appear real are certainly worthy of a
better cause. In these varied descriptions of life and man •
ners, the author has shown that he is capable of represent-
ing society in other aspects than that connected with the
sporting world.
LE FOLLET.—In this number of this elegant
periodical we meet with important information as
to the probable changes in toilette which the ensu-
ing season will produce. The plates are, as usual, most
attractive, although some of the modes which the caprice
of the fickle goddess has introduced do not promise to be
very becoming. The usual light literature and musical
criticisms are met with, making the magazine a suitable
companion for the drawing room loungers, and putting them
in possession of the fashionable business of the day.
THE ALEXANDRA MAGAZINE.—This magazine,
with which the Englishwoman's Journal is now
incorporated, has improved in style and character, number.
ing many well known writers among its contributors. A
very sensible paper on the "Health of Women" shows its
fair readers how much they have in their own hands. An
as tide on the " Working Women's College" given an inte"
resting account of the objects of the institution, and the
manner in which it is conducted. It deserves encourage-
ment, and affords scope for the unemployed energies of
mar y young ladies of the upper classes, who have no prac-
tical purpose to which to turn their accomplishments.
NEWTON'S LONDON JOURNAL.—The introduc-
tory papers are on the Metropolitan Gas Supply
and the Labouring Clasees—two questions of much im-
portance, and the remarks upon them are well worth
reading. There is a plentiful list of recant patents, and the
usual information on al} matters connected with the
subject.
LUTTRELL OF ARRAN. By Charles Lever. No.
XIII.—Tbe story advances rapidly in this number,
though more rid more entangled. Poor Kate's troubles
thicken, owing to the treachery of O'Rorke and the villainy
of young Ladavelle. Luttrell of Arran dies, and old Sir
William is struck with apoplexy, with what result remains
to be sem. Kate herself is attacked by brain fever, a fact
of which her enemies take adventage. The story is at
present in the position of Vanity Fair, wanting a hero.
Whether he will yet appear at all is uncertain.
THE ECLECTIC..;—.We have several papers of
general interest in this number, among them an
essay on " The Crusades," and an article on "The
Scot Abroad."
CASSELL'S ILLUSTRATED POBLICATIONS.—The
History of England, Popular Natural History, Popular
Education, Goldsmith, and Bunyan, all maintain their
usual excellence, both for typography and engraving.
The Shilling Edition of Macaulay's History of
England reaches its completion this month, and this bril-
liant work has been added to the library of the million.
rd. The A B C Railway Guide, published this month,
contains many useful additions, and also a capital new map
of railways, telegraphs, Bcc , in Great Britain.