point of sight, where what was once distant has become near at hand,
the earnest of many a day-dream has been gained, and more than one
ideal has been tried, and merits and demerits have become apparent.

And thus it is hoped that the Long Vacation may not be devoid of
interest for readers who have sympathized in early days with
Beechcroft, Stoneborough, and Vale Leston, when they were peopled
with the outcome of a youthful mind, and that they may be ready to
look with interest on the perplexities and successes attending on the
matured characters in after years.

If they will feel as if they were on a visit to friends grown older,
with their children about them, and if the young will forgive the
seeing with elder eyes, and observing instead of participating, that
is all the veteran author would ask.

C. M. YONGE.

Elderfield,
January 31, 1895.




CONTENTS



I. A CHAPTER OF RETROSPECT