The Sun.
London, England, 1859-09-17 00:00:00

LITERATU.RE.

Almost a Heroine. By the Author of " Charles
Auchester," " Rumour," &c. 3 vols. Hurst and
Blackett.
Whatever is written by this author is very
well worthy of perusal. There is always something
fresh, original, and piquant in the creations of his
fancy. In the present instance, it will be found
that some characters appear in the scene who are
well calculated to attract attention, and to inspire
interest. Arnold Major is an excellent portraiture
of a clever man, who, from various circumstances,
has had too great a burden imposed upon him, and
who, consequently, nearly falls under its weight,
when many obstacles have been removed from his
path. The passages which refer to the awful ex-
tremity to which he is reduced are very powerfully
narrated, and a most vivid illustration is given of
the various effects produced on different tempera-
ments by the extremes of hope and fear, joy and
sorrow. It is ably shadowed forth how an excit-
able being like Horatia is less likely to be of ser-
vice at a critical juncture than a soft and gentle
creature like Miss Hope. The latter came upon
the troubled scene of danger and distress like some
good angel or ministering spirit ; and brief as
was her stay, the effects were apparent, in a man-
ner not likely to be soon forgotten. Lord Lynd-
field is a strange person, but his peculiar nature is
well described ; and he was one of those whose
eccentricities should be respected, as they were
ever indulged in from a kind and generous spirit,
that essayed to render some service, and perform
some kindness, for others. Of him it might truly
be said, "Even his failings leaned to virtue's side."
Ernest Loftus, who tells the story, does not appear
so prominently on the scene as some of the friends
he meets with in his pilgrimage through life. This
is often the case in works of this sort, and in many
cases the narrator can descant more eloquently
on the deeds and thoughts of others than of him-
self ; but there are some curious scenes that relate
to Ernest himself, which will probably afford en-
tertainment to some. John, the old servant of his
uncle, is quite a character in his way, and may
agreeably contrast with the more solemn and me-
lancholy personages, who are the chief actors in
the scenes here chronicled. The idea of the will is
not in itself a novel one, but the particular arrange-
ments of it are certainly in a manner new, and they
impart a variety to the story. It was not a wise
thing for Ernest's uncle to have done, to send him
so abruptly adrift on the world ; but, as it proved,
it was of signal service to him and others. He and
Arnold Major were a mutual benefit to each other
—the one being too visionary and romantic, the
other rather morbid and over-sensitive. Altogether
"Almost a Heroine" cannot fail to attract from its
many noticeable scenes ; and Horatia herself is a
noble creation, admirably suited to be the chief
character in a work of fiction. The admirers of
" Charles Auchester" will be gratified with this
opportunity of renewing their acquaintance with
its gifted author, and in many an impressive de-
scription, and in many an animated dialogue, they,
may trace the same power they have before appre-
ciated and admired.