There is nothing in this world so hard to get at as truth, and there is nothing in this world but truth that I care for. - Washington Irving

My object is merely to give the reader a general introduction into an abode where, if so disposed, he may linger and loiter with me day by day until we gradually become familiar with all its localities.

Chi conquista un migliaio dei soliti cuori ha diritto a qualche fama, ma chi sa rimaner assoluto padrone del cuore di una civetta è veramente un eroe.

Presently a choir of small voices chanted forth an old Christmas carol, the burden of which was — Rejoice, our Saviour he was born
On Christmas Day in the morning.
I rose softly, slipt on my clothes, opened the door suddenly, and beheld one of the most beautiful little fairy groups that a painter could imagine. It consisted of a boy and two girls, the eldest not more than six, and lovely as seraphs. They were going the rounds of the house and singing at every chamber door,