k that we shall differ on
that point; and it may serve, here and there, to recall one, nearly as
dear to you as to me, for whom the pleasures of life were at least
doubled by such interests, and who found in them no mean resource under
a burden heavier than common of life's pain.

That, whatever labour I may spend on this or any other bit of
work--whatever changes or confirmations time and experience may bring to
my views of people and things--I cannot now ask her approval of the one,
or delight in the play of her strong intellect and bright wit over the
other, is an unhealable sorrow with which no one sympathizes more fully
than you.

This story was written before her death: it has been revised without her
help.

Such as it is, I beg you to accept it in affectionate remembrance of old
times and of many common hobbies of our girlhood in my Yorkshire home
and in yours.

J. H. E.

CONTENTS.

CHAP. PAGE

Introduction 11

I. My Pretty Mother--Ayah--Company 20

II. The Cholera Season--My Mother Goes Away--My Sixth
Birthday 26

III. The Bullers--Matilda takes Me up--We Fall Out--Mr. George 34

IV. Sales--Matters of Principle--Mrs. Minchin Quarrels with
the Bride--Mrs. Minchin Quarrels with Everybody--Mrs.
Minchin is Reconciled--The Voyage Home--A Death on Board 40

V. A Home Station--What Mrs. Buller thought of it--What
Major Buller thought of it 53

VI. Dress and Manner--I Examine Myself--My Great-Grandmother 59

VII. My Great-Grandmother--The Duchess's Carriage--Mrs.
O'Connor is Curious 67

VIII. A Family History 73

IX. Hopes and Expectations--Dreams and Daydreams--The
Vine--Elspeth--My Great-Grandfather 84

X. Thomas the Cat--My Great-Grandfather's Sketches--Adolphe
is my Friend--My Great-great-great-Grandfather Disturbs
my Rest--I Leave The Vine 96

XI. Matilda's News--Our Governess--Major Buller turned
Tutor--Eleanor Arkwright