∵ To those who prefer quiet pictures of life to startling
incidents, the attempt to illustrate the development of
character to the mysteries of an elaborate plot, and the presentation
of men and women in their mixed strength and
weakness to the painting of wholly virtuous ideals and
wholly evil examples: who are as interested in seeing moral
and intellectual forces at work in a simple country community
as on a more conspicuous plane of human action: who
believe in the truth and tenderness of man's love for man,
as of man's love for woman: who recognize the trouble
which confused ideas of life and the lack of high and intelligent
culture bring upon a great portion of our country
population,—to all such, no explanation of this volume is
necessary. Others will not read it.
