Page:Lorna Doone.djvu/12

 TO THE SIXTH EDITION.



things have surprised me more, and nothing has more pleased me, than the great success of this simple tale.

For truly it is a grand success, to win the attention and kind regard, not of the general public only, but also of those who are at home with the scenery, people, life, and language, wherein a native cannot always satisfy the natives.

Therefore any son of Devon may imagine, and will not grudge, the writer's delight at hearing from a recent visitor to the west, that, "'Lorna Doone,' to a Devonshire man, is as good as clotted cream, almost!"

Although not half so good as that, it has entered many a tranquil, happy, pure, and hospitable home; and the author, while deeply grateful for this genial reception, ascribes it partly to the fact that his story contains no word, or thought, disloyal to its birthright in the fairest county of England.

January, 1873.