more frankness than is customary has been attempted in this story; with
no bad desire on the writer's part, it is hoped, and with no ill
consequence to any reader. If truth is not always pleasant, at any rate
truth is best, from whatever chair--from those whence graver writers or
thinkers argue, as from that at which the story-teller sits as he
concludes his labour, and bids his kind reader farewell.

Kensington, Nov. 26th, 1850.



CONTENTS

CHAPTER
I Shows how First Love may interrupt Breakfast
II A Pedigree and other Family Matters
III In which Pendennis appears as a very young Man indeed
IV Mrs. Haller
V Mrs. Haller at Home
VI Contains both Love and War
VII In which the Major makes his Appearance
VIII In which Pen is kept waiting at the Door, while the Reader
is informed who little Laura was
IX In which the Major opens the Campaign
X Facing the Enemy
XI Negotiation
XII In which a Shooting Match is proposed
XIII A Crisis
XIV In which Miss Fotheringay makes a new Engagement
XV The Happy Village