CHAPTER I

NEW-YEARS GIFTS

January 1st

The day of the month came into my mind as soon as I awoke. Another yearis separated from the chain of ages, and drops into the gulf of the past!

The crowd hasten to welcome her young sister. But while all looks areturned toward the future, mine revert to the pa[...]

Preface

EMILE SOUVESTRE

No one succeeds in obtaining a prominent place in literature, or insurrounding himself with a faithful and steady circle of admirers drawnfrom the fickle masses of the public, unless he possesses originality,constant variety, and a distinct personality. It is quite possible [...]