Long time since this hand hath penned a preface. Now only to say, that
this romance, as originally published, was written when the author was
suffering severe affliction, both physically and mentally--the result of
a gun-wound that brought him as near to death as Darke's bullet did
Clancy.
It may be asked, Why under such strain was the tale written at all? A
good reason could be given; but this, private and personal, need not,
and should not be intruded on the public. Suffice it to say, that,
dissatisfied with the execution of the work, the author has remodelled--
almost rewritten it.
It is the same story; but, as he hopes and believes, better told.
Great Malvern, September, 1874.