have already said, Feeling has a higher truth in it, than circumstance. Let it only be touched fairly and honestly, and the heart of humanity answers; but if it be touched foully or one-sidedly, you may find here and there a lame-souled creature who will give response, but there is no heart throb in it.
Of one thing I am sure:—if my pictures are fair, worthy, and hearty, you must see it in the reading: but if they are forced and hard, no amount of kindness can make you feel their truth as I want them felt.
I make no self-praise out of this: if feeling has been honestly set down, it is only in virtue of a native impulse, over which I have altogether too little control; but if it is set down badly, I have wronged Nature, and, (as Nature is kind) I have wronged myself.
A great many inquisitive people will, I do not doubt, be asking after all this prelude, if my pictures are true pictures? The question,—the courteous reader will allow me to say,—is an impertinent one. It is but a shabby truth that wants an author's affidavit to make it trust-worthy. I shall not help my story by any such poor support. If there are not enough elements of truth, honesty and nature in
