The friendly eyes that read these pages, knowing the pathetic failsrelating to their publication, will not be content without a word totell to other readers the story that will cause one and all to look onthe little book in the same sympathetic mood.

The trips among the scenes of the storied past, here recorded, weretaken not so much in search of health as in search of diversion fromthe sad employment of watching the inexorable approach of mortaldisease. The writing was undertaken to occupy a vigorous mind,conscious that its tenement would not long endure.

Alas! the task was not done before its purpose had been fullycompleted, and to others was left the duty of reading the final proofs.Such imperfections as may be found should be charged to this account,and all the excellences are to be credited to the brave soul thatfought her fight so silently that only a very few closest friends knewof the unequal battle.

C. S. G.