University of Virginia Library

PREFACE.

IT is the custom for an author to preface his volume with an apology for appearing before the public. In this case, an apology is needed, I fear, for the author not appearing ere this. It is four years since I came to you in book-shape: the absence was unavoidable. When "Life in Danbury" was published, I believed it would be the last, as it was the first, compilation of writings I should make. Even in the flush of its great success I did not waver in this belief. In the intervening years I have been frequently solicited to bring out a similar book, but steadily refused. A "similar" work was not desirable. I wanted something different, something much better, for a second book; and enough material for this purpose was not at hand. It required time to accumulate. That time has been accomplished now, I believe; and I send forth this volume in the confidence,

that, whatever it may do for the publisher and myself, it is a much better book than its predecessor.

The contents of the first book were almost entirely selected from the issues of "The News" in the year immediately preceding, and many of the articles were fresh in the mind of the general reader. This was dreadfully unpleasant; but it was unavoidable. Again: the volume was largely composed of short paragraphs, which may have been good enough in their way, but, from their brevity, made the reading a trifle hummocky, and tended somewhat to mar the symmetry of the plot.

I like to see the plot of a book all right, even if the binding is a little lame.

The selections for this volume cover a period of four years. From the abundance of material in that time furnished, a careful and conscientious choice has been made. It is a compilation of sketches and essays without paragraphs; and, from beginning to end, not one of its fair pages is sullied by a pun.

It is just such a book as I have often awaked in the night and wished the other had been, but which was, at the time, impossible to make.

And just here I desire to heartily thank the public for the enthusiastic reception it gave to "Life in Danbury," and express my gratitude to the writers of the hundreds of letters sent me by pleased readers. If I were not made proud and happy by these manifestations of approval, I would be less than human.

Now, dear reader, do be careful in going through this book. Do be calm: there is no hurry. It is not intended to be read through at a sitting. Not one constitution in a hundred can pass through such an ordeal without seriously impairing its future usefulness. It is a work to be consulted at odd times. It is designed to rest you when you are tired, to cheer you when depressed, and to tone you down generally when you are inclined to make yourself disagreeable about the house.

Take it with your solid reading as you would sauce with your food.

The man who sits down to a dinner of roast turkey and fills himself to the brim with stewed cranberries, is not necessarily a foe to the cook; but he should be promptly and carefully examined by a good doctor.

This is a duty he owes to his family, I think.

Trusting that the good feeling brought about by the advent of the other book will be greatly stimulated by this, I remain

Yours sincerely,

THE AUTHOR