L'ENVOI. 



I PART from these pages with a regret not unlike that 

 engendered by the separation of old friends. 



To say farewell is always a pain, but especially when 

 we say the sweet, sad word to those of our own kin ; 

 and surely one's writings must be numbered amongst 

 it. Some things there are, however, connected with 

 the publication of these sketches, which make the 

 completion of my task not quite unpleasant. When, 

 months ago, I took it in hand, I had calculated on 

 little outer aid ; but a thousand marks of undeserved 

 sympathy and support from not only old acquaintances, 

 but from many with whom I had had hitherto no con- 

 nection, opened up to me a quite undreamed-of vista 

 of generous and sportsmanlike co-operation. I take 

 this genial Christmas-time to thank them with all 

 sincerity, and in the sure belief that the kindness 

 which animated them in the past, will make them 

 indulgent to the many shortcomings which, I have no 

 doubt, will be found in this, my first book. Vale. 



B. M. F. 



