An Old-Fashioned Girl - Preface

AS a preface is the only place where an author can with propriety ¹ explain a purpose or apologize for shortcomings, I venture to avail myself of the privilege to make a statement for the benefit of my readers., ,As the first part of “An Old-Fashioned Girl” was written in 1869, the demand for a sequel, in beseeching ² little letters that made refusal impossible, rendered it necessary to carry my heroine boldly forward some six or seven years into the future. The domestic nature of the story makes this audacious proceeding ³ possible; while the lively fancies of my young readers will supply all deficiencies, and overlook all discrepancies ⁴., ,This explanation will, I trust, relieve those well-regulated minds, who cannot conceive of such literary lawlessness, from the bewilderment which they suffered when the same experiment was tried in a former book., , ,If the history of Polly's girlish experiences suggests a hint or insinuates ⁵ a lesson, I shall feel that, in spite of many obstacles, I have not entirely ⁶ neglected my duty toward the little men and women, for whom it is an honor and a pleasure to write, since in them I have always found my kindest patrons, gentlest critics, warmest friends., ,L. M. A.,The sensitive matter was handled with great propriety.这件机密的事处理得极为适当
。,She clung to her father, beseeching him for consent. 她紧紧挨着父亲
，恳求他答应。 来自辞典例句