Preface
The following little story was written for the amusement of my own children. At the suggestion of several friends, I have ventured to publish it, not without sundry misgivings as to the result of my temerity. I cannot be blind to its many imperfections, nor do I expect the public to be. I only appeal to their kindly hearts, and (as it is a first attempt) beg them not to criticise it too severely.
Desda
St. Leonards, North Shore, October, 1871.