DEDICATION. YEARS ago I used to say, that, if I ever wrote a book, it should be dedicated to my mother. The possibility then contemplated almost in jest - has now been fulfilled. The book is written: - but all else is changed. I will keep my promise still. Let this, my first novel, which would have been a tribute of tenderest affection to the Living, become an offering to the everbeloved memory of the Dead. 1849. |