The Mysterious Wanderer, Vol. I

In committing the following sheets to the press, I have acted in compliance with the partial wishes of a few friends. I am aware that my story has many imperfections; but it being a first essay, and having been written solely for my own amusement, during a winter season, I trust, will plead with a liberal public, to soften the severity of criticism: and if, whilst I furnish a few hours entertainment to my readers, I may hope to have implanted a generous sentiment—or to have checked the tendency to a vicious one—I shall esteem myself happy, and feel my labours amply rewarded.
THE AUTHOR.
Feb. 1, 1807.
MADAM,
The protection your Ladyship has so generously granted to this little offspring of my leisure hours, whilst it has impressed my mind with the most grateful sentiments, has fully evinced the benevolence and condescension which so eminently distinguish your character. Truly a pupil of nature, I little expected that the productions of my fancy would please—or indeed be read by—any, but my intimate friends, till your Ladyship's flattering approbation of the following tale, encouraged me to offer it to the world.
Should The Mysterious Wanderer be favourably received by the public, it will be my highest pride to acknowledge my obligation to your Ladyship; should it be consigned to oblivion—I shall ever, with gratitude, remember the honour and favour you have conferred on,
Madam, Your Ladyship's much obliged, and Most obedient humble servant,
Sophia Reeve.
Of all the passions inherent in man, I think pride the most despicable, and for which he has the least excuse! If he have sense and abilities, they ought rather to guard his bosom from so contemptible an inmate, than implant it there. It is a passion insulting to reason, beneath the generosity of human nature, and in the highest degree degrading to the character of a British sailor.
Such were the sentiments of Frederick Howard, addressed to a fellow officer, (remarkable for his pride and haughtiness) as they walked toward the pier-head at Yarmouth, on their return to the Argo man of war, then stationed in the roads. Already were they in the boat which was to convey them on board, when a youth about seventeen ran up to them, and, with wildness and distress in his aspect, entreated they would take him with them.