As to the illustrations, they are for the most part also sketches, shorthand notes from nature, or care ful studies for backgrounds of 'pictures, portraits, landscapes, figures, &c., which illustrate my story, and give relief, I hope, to the printed pages. And now, dear reader, I must leave my Sketches in your hands, and as they are written without malice, and, indeed, with the kindest motives, I trust you also will treat them with kindness.