to foist another upon the market. There is scarcely room in the literary
world for amateurs and maiden efforts; the very worthiest are sometimes
poorly repaid for their best efforts. Yet, another one is offered the
public, a maiden effort,--a little thing with absolutely nothing to
commend it, that seeks to do nothing more than amuse.

Many of these sketches and verses have appeared in print before, in
newspapers and a magazine or two; many are seeing the light of day for
the first time. If perchance this collection of idle thoughts may serve
to while away an hour or two, or lift for a brief space the load of care
from someone's mind, their purpose has been served--the author is
satisfied.

A. R. M.

CONTENTS.


VIOLETS, 13

THREE THOUGHTS, 18

THE WOMAN, 21

TEN MINUTES' MUSING, 29

A PLAINT, 35

IN UNCONSCIOUSNESS, 36