CHAPTER THE FIRST.
Madame Pratolungo presents Herself You are here invited to read the story of an Event which occurred in an out-of-the-way corner of England, some years since.
The persons principally concerned in the Event are:--a blind girl; two (twin) brothers; a skilled surgeon; and a curious foreign woman.

I am the curious foreign woman.

And I take it on myself--for reasons which will presently appear--to tell the story.
So far we understand each other.Good.I may make myself known to you as briefly as I can.
I am Madame Pratolungo--widow of that celebrated South American patriot, Doctor Pratolungo.

I am French by birth.

Before I married the Doctor, I went through many vicissitudes in my own country.