Translator's Preface

Those who have read "Gloria" will, it is hoped, hail with pleasure another work by the same writer, Perez Gald�s—different it is true, but in its way not less delightful.

The strongly-marked humor and darkly-painted tragedy of "Gloria" are not to be found in "Marianela;" the characters are distinct and crisply sketched, but with a tender hand, the catastrophe is pitiable, rather shocking; the whole tone is idyllic.

I have not hesitated to translate literally the Spanish words of endearment; for though they are foreign to the calmer spirit of our northern tongue they are too characteristic to be lost, and they are strangely pathetic as the only outlet found for the imprisoned spirit of the hapless little heroine.

CLARA BELL.