[A hand-writted note, transcribed below, appeared on the first page ofthis copy of the book. The etexttranscriber cannot attest to its authenticity.]

My Dear Mr. Norris:

Owing as I do so very much to your earliest and most unqualifiedapproval of this story in manuscript form it is my determination toinscribe a copy to you whether you will or no. That it reaches eitheryou or the public "under cover" so soon is due entirely to you.Therefore refuse not a corner on the family table to the off-spring youso generously fostered; neither attempt to deny in the future that yoursins do find you out.

With the most grateful remembrances I am,

Sincerely yours     
Dreiser