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

ding," is a pleasantly told narrative of a young Wife's
domeitic troubles, prettily illustrated 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 life, 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
inamoratas. Paul Chichester's conduct, so highly praised,
is absurdly inconsistent ; either the sacrifice was not de •
manded from him, or it should have been carried cue, and
while ho intended carrying it out his conduct to Esther was
inexcusable. Lord Fvltham is common place enough,
while Arthur Peel is a mere vulgar money hunter. But
when young ladies comport themselves after the "fast "
fashion of these damsels, they must not expect too much
from their knights. " The Tilt-Le Exchanges in the
S•rand " is an interesting paper, and among the c -ntents
are a sketch on "Charades," an essay on "Itt,served 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, occupies, as it dcs?rves 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
sulject 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 Garman is also begun which promises
interest. Francis Jacox takes another cue from Shakspeare
in the unwelcome newsbringer. 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 readinz.
ROMFORD'S HOUNDS.—This sketch of sport-
ing life is continued, and we meet with some stir-
ring scones in the course of its perusal. Mr.
Rumford goes on in his usual rough and ready style,
forming a strange contrast witk his inelegant at-
tire and unpolished address to " Lucy," who is
always dressed cap-a-pie, and full of seductive blandishments
and flattering language. Mont y, 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 Macoy'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 ho 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, mos

attractive, although some of the modes which the caprice
of the fickle goddess has introduced do not promise to be
very becoming. Tho usual light literature and musical

criticisms are mot 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 tho 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 (it Women" shows its
fair readers how much they have in their own hands. An
nt title on the " Working Women's College" gives an inte.

resting account of the objects of the institution, and the
manner in which it is conducted. It deserves encourage-

ment, and affords scopo for tho unemployed energies o:

many 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 ere on the Metropolitan Gls Supply