_Cordelia_ (MELROSE) is a story as agreeable as its name, or as the pretty, if rather chocolate-box-school, picture on its wrapper. One small defect I find in the dissipation of its interest. Beginning with one hero, it goes on with another; and the result is some confusion for the reader who has backed the wrong horse. But Mr. E. M. SMITH-DAMPIER might very justly retort that this is but fidelity to life. When in the early chapters we see the first hero turned from home by an unsympathetic parent, and faring forth to seek romance in a new world, it was surely reasonable to suppose that he would eventually be rewarded by the pretty lady of the wrapper, especially as _Savile Brand_ (though his name inevitably suggests tobacco) is a character drawn with understanding and skill. But Mr. SMITH-DAMPIER is good at lovers. He has another, even better, up his sleeve. This is _Peter_, the forty-year-old American cousin, who cherishes a tender regard for _Mistress Cordelia_. I should explain that all this happened in the time of powder, lace coats, and witches. This last is important. Those were the days when _Cherchez la sorciere_ was the unfailing remedy in New England for every ill, material or emotional. It is from this, coupled with the mistaken jealousy of her sister, that _Cordelia's_ troubles come, and so nearly turn her story to tragedy. The main motive may remind you a little of that grim play of witchcraft that we saw at the St. James's Theatre some years ago. But fortunately the end is more comfortable. _Cordelia_, in short, is a nicely-flavoured romance of old America, with at least three unusually well-drawn characters to give it substance. I have no doubt at all of its success. * * * * * OUR ECONOMISTS. [Illustration: _Customer._ "I've called about the cough mixture I bought. The first dose cured me." _Chemist._ "The instantaneous effect of that preparation, Sir, has been remarked by everybody." _Customer._ "it's amazing; and, as there's only one dose gone, I thought perhaps you'd change what was left for some photographic plates."] * * * * *