Copyright, 1890, by Henry Wood.
All Rights Reserved.
PREFATORY NOTE.
The author of this volume believes in the wholesomeness of idealism and optimism. It is perhaps unnecessary to state that no attempt is here made to construct a novel upon conventional “realistic” lines. Systems and doctrines find their only expression in character, and distinctive personality may be regarded as the outcome of institutions. It is evident that the delicate pen-photography of the ignoble in human nature is too often the animus in current fiction. A subtle tone of unwholesome pessimism and hopelessness is thereby diffused. Idealization of character may not be regarded as “artistic,” but whether or not this attempt be successful, the writer will still believe that in that direction lies a promising field too little cultivated. It may be well to add that in this narrative no individual has served as a model for character outline.