Yes, when the cold and unfeeling will not understand me, and whisper ideas as false as unfounded, I feel that my pen could retaliate, but that a higher spirit restrains it. And to the world, in its grander and loftier genius, not the jealous of the world,—to these I turn to give me justice, and say that no giddy wish estranged me from a quieter life. The love of attaining literary fame was born with me, and with death only will it be severed. Young, undaunted, and aspiring, the roses in my path may perchance atone for many, many sad trials, all of which I hail rather than repine at, so long as my career of fame be established at last.

It is with timidity that I contemplate

the gifted perusing a Tale whose foundation stands at least on a high groundthe freedom of our fellow-beings; and I have still more timidity to remember how I have touched upon political cha

racters.

I love politicians! they ever form my favorite heroes,-exalted post, important calling, line of duty so often well followed! My pen cannot raise, though it may do justice to, the politician's life.

Peruse, then, my Tale, young politicians, and learn that even woman turns to ye for the loftiest subject of her pen. Peruse it, old politicians, and believe that through life as after death, each

father of his country will be immortalised. And now I have been selfish enough, go to the world, Work, upon which many hours have been spent ; go to the judgment of those more able to speak of its faults, or find out its small share of merit, than I should be. Go, timidly, hopefully, and half joyously-thou art sent there by

THE AUTHOR.

THE IDLER REFORMED.

CHAPTER I

ERRATA.

P. 66, line 2, and p. 91, line 3, for Lord read Mr.

ponvivo, saiu a young man, nalt aloud, as he drew off his white kid gloves, and taking up a book threw himself languidly into a large arm-chair in a spacious bed-room; "I cannot bear to hear women talk politics, and my mother is enough to drive me mad

I.