With a tremor of apprehension, we reflect that Max O'Rell's period of observation among ourselves will presently end, and that when he comes to record the result in his peculiar fashion, we are likely to echo that school-boy's plaint. But at any rate we shall know our own features better after we have contemplated them in his mirror; and, meantime, those of us who have enjoyed his acquaintance are disposed earnestly to hope that a guest whom we have learned to esteem so warmly may not think quite so ill of the American character as the barbaric condition of our laws respecting literary property would warrant.
George Cary Eggleston.
New York, February, 1888.
INTRODUCTION.
A Word to the Reader and another to the Critic.
To write a book in a foreign tongue is risky, and I had better at once ask for indulgence.
The many scenes and reminiscences belong to England, and, if translated into French, the anecdotes and conversations would lose much of whatever flavour and interest there may be in them.
This is my reason for not having written this book in French. Let my reason be also my apology.