Flowers from Mediæval History

Note
The friendly eyes that read these pages, knowing the pathetic fails relating to their publication, will not be content without a word to tell to other readers the story that will cause one and all to look on the little book in the same sympathetic mood.
The trips among the scenes of the storied past, here recorded, were taken not so much in search of health as in search of diversion from the sad employment of watching the inexorable approach of mortal disease. The writing was undertaken to occupy a vigorous mind, conscious that its tenement would not long endure.
Alas! the task was not done before its purpose had been fully completed, and to others was left the duty of reading the final proofs. Such imperfections as may be found should be charged to this account, and all the excellences are to be credited to the brave soul that fought her fight so silently that only a very few closest friends knew of the unequal battle.
C. S. G.

The Abbatical Church of Saint Ouen is Perhaps the Most Perfect Example of the Gothic in its Full Maturity

MINNIE D. KELLOGG
I never can feel sure of any truth but from a clear perception of its beauty. Keats
ILLUSTRATED
PAUL ELDER AND COMPANY PUBLISHERS·SAN FRANCISCO