ABSTRACT
In the following pages, an attempt is made to amuse; with what success, the author has no means of judging. But she has not confined her aim to the conveying of what is called innocent amusement. It may be doubted how far this term is applicable to any manner of employing time, which, without exercising the rational or moral faculties, cherishes the appetite for fiction, and the habit of reading without thought. The appetite for fiction is indeed universal, and has unfortunately been made the occasion of conveying poison of every description into the youthful mind. Why must the antidote be confined to such forms as are sure to be rejected by those who need it the most? There is high authority for using fable as the vehicle of important, even of solemn truth; and to this purpose it is here applied without hesitation. 2 The subject was chosen chiefly on account of its connection with that of Self-Control; the whole moral and religious discipline of life being intended to form those habits of self-command, in which Laura excelled, and in which Ellen Percy is so miserably defective. 3 Though in the present work, that constant attention to unity of design may be relaxed, which perhaps encumbered the former, by forcing every character to serve either as illustration or contrast, it is hoped that the main purpose is never entirely forsaken.
