"'Vroni' is one of those pathetic and charming stories which the reader does not readily forget. 'Guenn' we had learnt to regard as Miss Howard's masterpiece, but in point of artistic finish, and perhaps in power, 'Vroni' takes a higher position. It is the only novel, we believe, which has for its heroine a 'cook,' for such is Vroni Lindl, daughter of Dionysius, the weaver, born and reared in the bleak hill-country between the Danube and the Neckar, known as the Rough Alp. Dionysius was a simple man, peasant born 'with gentle ways and a soft mode of speech'; and Vroni, his little mädel, was devoted to her father--indeed, worshipped him. It is this wonderful affection between father and child which forms the vein of gold that runs through the story. One word best expresses our feeling regarding the story--it is delightful."--_Birmingham Post._ * * * * * John Gilbert, Yeoman: A Romance of the Commonwealth. By Richard Soans. Frontispiece and Vignette Illustration by Lancelot Speed. In crown 8vo, cloth gilt, gilt top, price 6s. "The stirring times of the Commonwealth afford a fine setting for the romance, 'John Gilbert, Yeoman,' by R. G. Soans. It is an ambitious work, but the author has produced a story which will bear comparison with the best historical fiction of modern writers. It is far above an immense mass of novels sent out recently; it is what may be described as a strong story, containing nothing flimsy or trivial, and in certain features it even recalls the romances of Scott. Nothing seems out of joint--foreign to the picture. What is presented is a seventeenth century England with seventeenth century figures. There is no undue straining after effect or of the probabilities.... Events, exciting and dramatic, follow fast upon each other, and the interest is closely rivetted till the end. It is a story which deserves to find many readers."--_Scotsman._ "Quite a fragrant fresh feeling, redolent of the breezy rolling Surrey Downs, in which the story is laid, comes to one in reading the adventures, love, troubles and vicissitudes of the young hero farmer.... Not the least recommendation of this romance of the Commonwealth is its freedom from anything repulsive or objectionable."--_Weekly Sun._ * * * * * The Fortress of Yadasara: A Narrative prepared from the Manuscript of Clinton Verrall, Esq. By Christian Lys. With Original Illustrations by Lancelot Speed. In crown 8vo, cloth gilt, gilt top, price 6s.