PREFACE. It can hardly be said that the author of the following pages appears for the first time before the public; yet, with the diffidence natural to a recluse and delicate woman, she shrinks from appearing alone, and wishes to be announced by one, who would do even an humbler office for her with respect and pleasure, and for whom the reading world has lost some of its terrors by familiarity. There are persons on both sides of the Atlantic, who feel a deep interest in the mother of Lucretia and Margaret Davidson; many have manifested an unusual sympathy in her joys and sorrows, and some have expressed a curiosity to know more of the mind whose holiest and brightest emanations were infused into those rare sisters, who seem hardly to have touched our world on their passage to Heaven. But the gratification of their curiosity is not the motive to the publication of these pages, though it may be incidental to it. The mother's life has been in companionship with her children, and she is now tempted from her seclusion that she may still be associated with them,-go forth with them on their mental pilgrimage, and for their sakes, it may be, be welcomed to many kindred hearts. C. M. SEDGWICK. DEDICATION. ΤΟ MY MUCH RESPECTED FRIEND, MISS CATHARINE M. SEDGWICK. DEAR MADAM: As a testimony of my grateful remembrance of the friendship with which, in life, you honoured my sainted Margaret, and the interest you have ever manifested in the "Remains" of both my lamented daughters, I beg leave to inscribe to you this humble volume. By permitting me to do so, dear and honoured Lady, you will add another link to the chain of favours which your kind and disinterested heart has awarded to your Very sincere friend and admirer, MARGARET M. DAVIDSON. |