young, nor the novel for their elders, but a mixture of both.

Begun as a series of conversational sketches, the story outran both
the original intention and the limits of the periodical in which it
was commenced; and, such as it has become, it is here presented to
those who have already made acquaintance with the May family, and may
be willing to see more of them. It would beg to be considered merely
as what it calls itself, a Family Chronicle--a domestic record of
home events, large and small, during those years of early life when
the character is chiefly formed, and as an endeavour to trace the
effects of those aspirations which are a part of every youthful
nature. That the young should take one hint, to think whether their
hopes and upward-breathings are truly upwards, and founded in
lowliness, may be called the moral of the tale.

For those who may deem the story too long, and the characters too
numerous, the Author can only beg their pardon for any tedium that
they may have undergone before giving it up. Feb. 22nd, 1856.





PART 1.





THE DAISY CHAIN