I FIND it difficult to express my gratitude to the Hon. 

 Vicary Gibbs and to Colonel Messel for all the help 

 they have so kindly given me, particularly with the 

 lists. To both of them I am further indebted for 

 reading the book in proof. I am also indebted for 

 much kind help to Mr. J. Comber. 



Parts of this book have already appeared in article form 

 in The Spectator and one part in The Landmark, and I am 

 indebted to the editors for their kind permission to 

 include these articles. 



I have quoted some lines at the end of the book from 

 a poem which I liked and copied a few months ago 

 from one of the leading journals. Unfortunately, I 

 made no note at the time of the source or the name of 

 the writer, who, I hope, will forgive me for quoting 

 without acknowledgment. 



ELEANOUR SINCLAIR ROHDE 



C ran ham Lodge, 

 Reigate, 

 Surrey. 



