The Sun. — 1855-03-30 (London, England)

LITERATURE'  - - ---4.-_—. . Constance Herbert. By Geraldine Jewsbury, author of "Marian Withers," ,i,..c. 3 vols. Surat and Blackett. well known The authoress of this work is alrea to the readers of romance. Iler d works former have displayed considerable ability, co mant of reaT present tale, bined with pleasing style, and have shown no w source in incident or character. he and although written with equal talent, being percannot, haps more striking than its predecessors, however, be said to leave a the reader's mind. Though possessing a great yell y_ of character, and many impressive vnts, the creesf pleasing impression otn feature in the plot is such a, painful one, and_the that at least one incident so extremely it fails to convey the idea of natural and domestic it ancient legend of narrative, but seems rather an Bless fatality which cansome mysterious and hope improbable, .e we have before alluded, is hereditary insanity. not be evaded or baffled. The chief point, to which We are sorry to see this painful subject becoming such a favourite incident for the pen of romancists. " Constance Herbert" bears a strong resemblance to a very clever novel which lately appea the likered under the title of " The House of Raby ;" and a ness is still further increased by coincidence Of names, the aunts of the heroines, who case occupy a prominent place in the story, father of being both named Margaret. Th t the unfortunate Constance is the des en ions, dan of a family in whioli, for many generat disorder ; b one has alwaysutin her been nasenafflicted with increased by the fact of her mother, soon eevil is after her smarriage,e having become insane. Her father, who is skilfully traced from his first deterioration e career of t eliaracter down to his miserable end, is totally unfitted to be her guide or counsellor. She is cutirely in charge of her aunt, Margaret, who i described as devoting all her thoughts and res ene gies to the consideration of how she may best pier pare her beloved niece for the knowledge of her he destiny. She arranges very injudiciously, however, for she allows her to mix in society 0(14 1s her. to her tofol form a strong attachment, and then, when sake°. seseanacntioindiotto, whehremensghaegetinh2t, her tells her .her mother. The unhappy Constance is quite overwhelmed, and it is long before she recovers from the shock. In the mean; tune, her father has become worse and worse, au inthe end becomes engage amlready d in such a questionable affairr e aunt is dead, and Mr. flerbert has ,h parted with the family estate, and at the end of the story Constance is left alone and almost friendlessi _ She is, however, in possession of au independen. (rune and estate, thanks to the most extraordiEt Englishman, while travelling Binary and unnatural event of the book. A Y°11" rushes after them and follows in Paris, haPPejill o see Constance walking with her father. gambling house. He joins him in ]'introducedht after _ night, in the vain hope of becoming and his daughter. He at length proposes for her, s is haughtily repulsed by Mr. Herbert, whet ~... the father to a .upon he goes to a lawyer, makes a ing all his operty to Constance, and returning o his hotels ommits suicide, having never ° if spoken to the object of his affections. the authoress had informed us that the ancestors. will Wog of this hero had been insane we should how: au): not have been surprised. We are led to infsr,_ho,w_. e vex., that he had previously been a reasonablee ing. Some minor improbabilities there are, such as the marriage of Miss 'Wilmot and gr. llarr°rF; but this is the most remarkable. that a writer possessing b style and reputation should condescend to sliei' a _s is, of writing. The object which she is expressedbefore us however, worthy of all praise. It is best c.. In L'Envoytasl°ents i t eau'_ ing any principle in this book, it is to entreat esr, readers to have boldness to act up to the stern b. :---" If we haveM sussiss jeeedweWsdbellinrYarsert in requirements that duty claims Al though it may at the time seem to theysla tll ___ it will in the end prove life. Nothing P. orvee nounce for the sake of a higher principle will r Pf re as right.. em, W 4 bid thorn a. . to have been worth keepii well i he n the quaint words of Harry wrote by way of an epitaph of himself--" ' Reader, if you my Word.; will only trust,, ~ You'll gladly do and suffer all you tuns Martin, which The idea of high a and resolute determination. Coir s stan shows its author motto " Point de Faiblesse" also expresses the ce Herbert, with all its faults, he will far from powers and we shall look forvrard to another. wnrx Miss Dewsbury, not doubting s excel her present production. ___-...----.--r-=~  tr---------------____._--------The ,accounts from Australia by the reach to the 31st of January, and are 24 days later than those brought by the Argo on the 17th inst. The barometer was higher y Aerday at Southampton most welcome sign of fine weather. than it 'has been known oinceeA.uoust last, than inisai As soon as the Paris Exhibition opens, packet communication will be established belle" Southampton and Havre. The South-Western Cor parry's steamer Wonder, a fast and fine vessel, is fitt off up to be put on that line.ls TO MELANCHOLY DEATH OF A YOUNG ADD IMO . the OF A