In presenting to the public another Edition of Self-Control, the Author gratefully acknowledges the indulgence which her first literary attempt has received. The approbation with which it has been honoured, flatters her with the hope that her little work may not entirely fail in the purposes of usefulness which were her chief aim in its publication.

The commendations bestowed on Self-Control have been by no means unqualified. Strictures have been made up on various parts of the narrative, and objections stated against the probability of some of the incidents. Had these censures been pointed at the lessons which the tale was intended to convey, the Author would have felt it her duty, as well as her earnest desire, to remove them. Had the characters in Self-Control been the portraits of living originals, she might have been bound to avail herself of any hint for rendering the likeness more complete. But where no higher interest is at stake than the credit of her own powers of invention, she feels herself at greater liberty; and sometimes where she might have bowed to superior taste and experience, she has been unable to reconcile contradictory authorities. She is not even sure of her right to make any material alteration upon a work of fiction. Perhaps they who have before honoured it with their notice, are entitled on a second perusal to find, along with the same qualities which conciliated their favour, the same faults which amused their critical sagacity.

The language has been changed in various instances, either where the expression was faulty, or where it has been said to bear a meaning which it was not intended to convey. A few sentences have been omitted at the suggestion of a lady, to whose powerful genius and cultivated taste the author would willingly have shewn still greater deference; and for many of the verbal alterations she is obliged to the kindness of a friend.