The only Secret contained in this book is revealed midway in the first volume.

From that point, all the main events of the story are purposely foreshadowed before they take place--my present design being to rouse the reader's interest in following the train of circumstances by which these foreseen events are brought about.

In trying this new ground, I am not turning my back in doubt on the ground which I have passed over already.

My one object in following a new course is to enlarge the range of my studies in the art of writing fiction, and to vary the form in which I make my appeal to the reader, as attractively as I can.
There is no need for me to add more to these few prefatory words than is here written.

What I might otherwise have wished to say in this place, I have endeavored to make the book itself say for me.
TO FRANCIS CARR BEARD (FELLOW OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND), IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE TIME WHEN THE CLOSING SCENES OF THIS STORY WERE WRITTEN.
NO NAME.
THE FIRST SCENE.
COMBE-RAVEN, SOMERSETSHIRE..