A DUET
WITH AN OCCASIONAL CHORUS




TO MRS. MAUDE CROSSE



Dear Maude,--All the little two-oared boats which put out into the
great ocean have need of some chart which will show them how to lay
their course. Each starts full of happiness and confidence, and yet
we know how many founder, for it is no easy voyage, and there are
rocks and sandbanks upon the way. So I give a few pages of your own
private log, which tell of days of peace, and days of storm--such
storms as seem very petty from the deck of a high ship, but are
serious for the two-oared boats. If your peace should help another
to peace, or your storm console another who is storm-tossed, then I
know that you will feel repaid for this intrusion upon your privacy.
May all your voyage be like the outset, and when at last the oars
fall from your hands, and those of Frank, may other loving ones be
ready to take their turn of toil--and so, bon voyage!

Ever your friend,
THE AUTHOR.
Jan. 20, 1899.