Edinburgh: T. and A Constable, Printers to Her Majesty

TO
MRS. MAUDE CROSSE

Dear Maude,—All the little two-oared boats which put out into the great ocean have need of some chart which will show them how to lay their course. Each starts full of happiness and confidence, and yet we know how many founder, for it is no easy voyage, and there are rocks and sandbanks upon the way. So I give a few pages of your own private log, which tell of days of peace, and days of storm—such storms as seem very petty from the deck of a high ship, but are serious for the two-oared boats. If your peace should help another to peace, or your storm console another who is storm-tossed, then I know that you will feel repaid for this intrusion upon your privacy. May all your voyage be like the outset, and when at last the oars fall from your hands, and those of Frank, may other loving ones be ready to take their turn of toil—and so, bon voyage!

Ever your friend,

The Author.

Jan. 20, 1899.

CONTENTS

PAGE
The Overture [1]
The Overture Continued [9]
The Overture Concluded [24]
The Two Solos [34]
In Britain’s Valhalla [48]
Two Solos and a Duet [71]
Keeping up Appearances [88]
The Home-Coming [100]
Laying a Course [112]
Confessions [128]
Concerning Mrs. Beeton [146]
Mr. Samuel Pepys [158]
A Visit to Mr. Samuel Pepys [170]
Trouble [185]
A Rescue [204]
The Browning Society [218]
An Investment [236]
A Thundercloud [251]
Danger [269]
No. 5 Cheyne Row [290]
The Last Note of the Duet [311]
The Trio [326]

THE OVERTURE
I
ABOUT THAT DATE

These are the beginnings of some of the letters which they wrote about that time.