It is always a memorable era in a mother's life when she first
introduces a daughter into society. Many things contribute to make it
so; among which is the fact of the personal blessing to herself, in
having been permitted to see the day--to have been spared, that is, to
watch over her child in infancy, and now to see her entering life upon
her own account.

But a more uncommon privilege is the one granted to me on the present
occasion, of introducing a daughter into the literary world; and the
feelings of pride and pleasure it calls forth, are certainly not less
powerful than those created by the commoner occurrence. It is my
comfort also to add that these are not overclouded by any painful
anxiety or misgiving. There may be differences of opinion as to the
precise amount of literary merit in these tales; but viewed as the
first productions of a young author, they are surely full of promise;
while their whole tone and aim is so unmistakably high, that even
those who criticize the style will be apt to respect the writer.

I ought here to express a hope that it will not be thought
presumptuous on my part, to undertake the office of introduction. I
beg it to be understood that I address myself especially to those
readers who have (I speak it with deep gratitude and pleasure)
listened kindly and favourably to me for several years past, and who
will, I trust, be no less well disposed towards my daughter's
writings.

To them also it may be interesting to know, that in the "J.H.G." of
"Melchior's Dream," etc., they will find the original of my own