AND

HIGHFIELD TOWER.

TALES

BY THE

AUTHOR OF "CONRAD BLESSINGTON.”

Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see,
Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be ;
In every work regard the writer's end,
Since none can compass more than they intend ;
And, if the means be just, the conduct true,
Applause, in spite of trivial faults, is due.

POPY.

IN THREE VOLUMES.

VOL. I.

LONDON

SAUNDERS AND OTLEY, CONDUIT STREET.

1838.

PRINTED BY B. BENSLEY.

PREFACE.

THE generous indulgence with which the first work of a young authoress was received by her friends, a few months since, has induced her to present herself again as a candidate for their favour. In doing so, however, she confesses she feels even more diffidence than at her former attempt, for then she was sensible that, if her efforts failed in conveying the entertainment she aimed at, she was secure of a safe retreat in her relinquishment of literary fame. Now, however, having received encouragement, she has a character to sustain, a certain opinion, an expectation, to justify. In short, comparisons may be