CHAPTER I.NEW-YEAR'S GIFTS.
January 1st The day of the month came into my mind as soon as I awoke.

Another year is separated from the chain of ages, and drops into the gulf of the past! The crowd hasten to welcome her young sister.

But while all looks are turned toward the future, mine revert to the past.

Everyone smiles upon the new queen; but, in spite of myself, I think of her whom time has just wrapped in her winding-sheet.

The past year!--at least I know what she was, and what she has given me; while this one comes surrounded by all the forebodings of the unknown.