The Countess now came rushing forward, but it was too late; all was over. The Count stood leaning against the tree, and Hartmann lay dead on the ground before him."-Page 80. PREFATORY NOTE. DOUBTS having been expressed by reviewers and others as to whether the following tale is original or translated, the Writer takes this opportunity of saying that, such as it is, the story is entirely his own. He has further to thank reviewers for the extremely favourable manner in which they have received his first little book, and the public who have so promptly called for a second edition. EDINBURGH, 12th October 1866. |