AustLit

A mother angered by her baby's treatment of a new autograph album relents, and is glad for the reminder preserved in the album because the baby dies shortly after. Maternal sentiments. (PB)

Tasmania witnesses the accidental meeting of the St John children and cousins with Martha Edgar, a fisherman's daughter. Subsequent events reveal that the fisherman is her uncle, Ranulph, who attacked his father and brother years before in England, was transported to Freemantle, escaped and settled in Tasmania with Martha - one of his brother's twin daughters who he had kidnapped from her cradle. The reunion of Martha with her twin sister, Mary, occurs only after a dreadful struggle between Ranulph and his traitorous accomplice Dick Harker. High English romance transported to Australia; well written though losing W. W's early distinctiveness - much more like the US and English models now in The Australian Journal. Twin sister theme the most interesting element. (PB)

An unmarried teacher's Christmas with her family in the US - thoughts, songs and costumes from the past; a moment's thought of becoming Cousin Josiah's third wife; and an old aunt warming the house with her presence. Pretty. (PB)

Humorous tale of the preparation and accidental loss of an enormous plum pudding made by Queen Victoria's chef for the King of Westphalia's Christmas dinner. Tom Prance, the Royal Messanger, attempts to recover it and is too late - but the Baron who ate it helps him prepare another, even more potent. (PB)

A poor deformed embroideress is given work in rich and lovely Ethelyn Saunders' house, preparing her trousseau. She discovers that Ethelyn's fiancee is already married and uncovers his deceit on Christmas Eve - to be her first and last happy Christmas on earth. Sentimental; interesting for its attitudes to deformity - its origins, and the villain's treatment of the girl. (PB)

A negro (described as 'a philosophic African') giving an account of his time as soldier in the 9th Illinois, reveals his sense of self-preservation is greater than his patriotism. (PB)

A little girl's trip to Fairyland loses its appeal when it is time to play with her brothers and sisters and see her mother and father. Middling. (PB)

An English squire quarrels with his stout and handsome wife over the Christmas turkey and disappears. He and his family are reunited in San Francisco where hard times have brought them - through his son recognising his bunion. (PB)

A London jeweller sends his son to Paris with a £500 ring. The self conceited youth is humbled a little when a beautiful lady he meets on the ferry drugs and robs him - all according to his father's plan. Slight. (PB)

Christmas Eve in San Francisco reminds an English ex-army officer of former years; of his battles against the Russians and his despair when on his return to England his fiancee breaks off their engagement. A child begging alms touches his heart and in visiting his house discovers his former love on her death bed. Pathos; competent. (PB)

The rescue of a youth dying in the fiery bush introduces the rightful heir to Krooyup station to his mother's only friends. The investigation of the death of a man leads to the discovery of a bigamous marriage, a murderous bloodhound, an indulged son and a variety of ill-assorted Cuban references. (PB)

Account of an attempt to separate two dogs fighting in a suburban hallway. (PB)