PREFACE. 



NEVER for a moment dreaming of dipping into 

 a " PREFACE" myself, it would be a matter of 

 supererogation and inconsistency to inflict one, 

 could I not turn it to the delightful use of convey- 

 ing to WILLIAM HARRISON AINSWORTH, ESQ., 

 my most sincere thanks for his kindness in per- 

 mitting a re-publication of the following little 

 sketches (originally deemed worthy of a place 

 in " ColbuniLS New Monthly Magazine"); and 

 furthermore, of making it the medium of im- 

 ploring the worthy Reader who may possibly 

 have been sent into the world endowed with the 



