PREFACE.
The following story is the last written by my
father. It is printed as it was found among his
manuscripts. I believe it is a striking specimen
of the peculiarities and charm of his style, and
that it will have an added interest for brother
artists, and for those who care to study the
method of his composition, from the mere fact
of its not having received his final revision. In
any case, I feel sure that the retention of the
passages within brackets (e. g. p. 30), which show
how my father intended to amplify some of the
descriptions and develop more fully one or two
of the character studies, will not be regretted by
appreciative readers. My earnest thanks are due
to Mr. Robert Browning for his kind assistance
and advice in interpreting the manuscript, otherwise
so difficult to me.
