TO THE

HONORABLE JULIA AUGUSTA MAYNARD

This Tale

IS DEDICATED,

AS A TOKEN OF SINCERE REGARD,

BY

THE AUTHOR.

INTRODUCTION.

Ir may seem strange that another work from my pen should appear so soonCharlotte Corday' having scarcely yet

become known to the public.

6

The Idler

Reformed' was finished last Christmas

twelvemonth, and, therefore, it would not be just were I accused of hasty componor do I think it necessary to

sition; detain it "en cachet," because its sister

work is before the public.

Certain that, having pledged my word as to the age of The Idler Reformed,' I shall be believed, I am more impatient than afraid of launching it forth,—I will not say upon the ocean of criticism, but upon the ocean of opinions; and, oh, kind readers, even if ye be more gifted

more intelligent, think of the young

author's anxiety, as her name becomes more and more familiar to the public ear.

Friends, who are acquainted with my history, remember how ardently I love my chosen career, how dear to me is the new, the changing, feverish, uncertain existence which, amidst all its disadvantages, has a mine of hidden pleasure for

me.