Page:Female Prose Writers of America.djvu/46

32 books of my fugitive stories have been published in pamphlet form,—the titles being “Kitty’s Relations,” “Leonilla Lymnore,” “The Maid of Canal Street” (the Maid is a refined and accomplished young lady), and “The Jennings’ and their Beaux.” All my stories are of familiar life, and I have endeavoured to render their illustrations of character and manners, as entertaining and instructive as I could; trying always “to point a moral,” as well as to “adorn a tale.”

The works from which I have, as yet, derived the greatest pecuniary advantage, are my three books on domestic economy. The “Domestic Cookery Book,” published in 1837, is now in the forty-first edition, no edition having been less than a thousand copies; and the sale increases every year. “The House Book” came out in 1840, and the “Lady’s Receipt Book” in 1846. All have been successful, and profitable.

My two last stories are “Jernigan’s Pa,” published in the Saturday Gazette, and “The Baymounts,” in the Saturday Evening Post.

I am now engaged on a life of John Fitch, for which I have been several years collecting information, from authentic sources. I hope soon to finish a work (undertaken by particular desire) for the benefit of young ladies, and to which I purpose giving the plain, simple title of “The Behaviour Book.”


 * U. S. Hotel, Phila., Aug. 1, 1851.



MRS. DERRINGTON’S RECEPTION DAY.

had departed on his return home, and Sophia’s tears had flowed fast and long on taking leave of her father. Mrs. Derrington reminded her, by way of consolation, that to-morrow was “reception day,” and that she would then most probably see many of the ladies, who, having heard of Miss Fayland’s arrival, had already left cards for her.

“And what, dear aunt, is exactly meant by a reception day?” inquired Sophia. 