DEDICATION. To all such persons as are inclined to seek, even in a work of fiction, for something more than the mere amusement of an idle hour; and to those who turn with disgust from every instruction but that which is conveyed through the medium of entertainment; the following Tale is most respectfully dedicated by the Author. PREFACE. IN writing a Preface to the following little Tale, the Author desires to return her most grateful thanks to those indulgent friends whose kind encouragement has led her thus far. Happy if they have been entertained, she will endeavour to rest satisfied with the meed of their approbation, even though, by all but them, her work should be laid aside and forgotten. But it may, perhaps, be necessary to offer some apology for an obscure individual obtruding her judgment in matters of serious importance, on a world which knows not of her existence. On this point the Author has only to say, that while the servants of the Lord on one side are burnishing their weapons. |