OR, BEFORE AND BEHIND THE CURTAIN. A SERIES OF NARRATIVES, BY ANNA CORA RITCHIE (FORMERLY MRS. MOWATT), AUTHOR OF “AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN ACTRESS," "ARMAND," "FASHION,” ETC. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by WILLIAM FOUSHEE RITCHIE, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. Whose name but yours could I inscribe upon this volume, commenced in my southern home, but two thirds written at the very desk over which your own honored form has bowed for more than half a century;- written in this sunny little chamber, which is hallowed to me by such a host of old associations? All harmonious influences have combined to render my labor light, and full of love. The very pine-trees, tossing their familiar plumes at the window, have aided in sending back my thoughts "Along the pebbled shore of memory," that I might gather up the shells life's surges cast at my wandering feet; for my task has consisted in remembering, not inventing. What this book will be to the world I cannot judge; to you, my beloved father, be it a remembrance of the brief months that, beneath your hospitable roof, have fled so happily for Your daughter, ANNA CORA RITCHIE. RAVENSWOOD, October 27th, 1855. |