IT was my intention to write a preface for the purpose of authorizing the edition you are about to publish in English of “Pepita Jiménez”; but, on thinking the matter over, I was deterred by the recollection of an anecdote that I heard in my young days.

A certain gallant, wishing to be presented at the house of a rich man who was about to give a magnificent ball, availed himself for that purpose of the services of a friend, who boasted of his familiarity with the great man, and of the favor he enjoyed with him. They proceeded to the great man’s house, and the gallant got his introduction; but the great man said to him who had introduced the other: “And you, who is to introduce you, for I am not acquainted with you?” As I entertain a profound respect and affection for this country, and have not, besides, the assurance that such an occasion would require, it would not do for me to say what the introducer of my story is said to have answered: “I need no one to introduce or to recommend me, for I am just now going away.”

I infer from my story, as its evident moral, that I ought to refrain from addressing the public of the United States, to which I am entirely unknown as an author, notwithstanding the fact of my having maintained pleasant and friendly

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