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 ''guide of Life, has done as much, has admitted many transcendental conceptions into her scheme of things. Now we know that Science can never be mistaken, though she may now and then restate some of her doctrines; and this being the case, I venture to plead for my stories, not as idle exercises of the imagination, but as attempts to place before the earnest reader, in attractive guise, some of the conclusions of our greatest scientific thinkers. I may mention, indeed, that distinguished Theosophists have recognized in my work careful study of some of their first authorities; and I submit that the witness of Theosophy, which appeals to atheists, men about town, journalists, hard-headed men of affairs, in fine to the thinking classes, is not to be lightly dismissed.''

Such are the grounds, then, on which I base my claim to the consideration of serious and practical people, who have no time to waste on idle reverie or flimsy fancies; and it is in the character of a sober portrayer of a certain side of life that I hope to add to the pleasure of many pleasant Sunday afternoons. A.M.