We not only want them, we must have them.

Despite all the wiseacres on earth we care more for the duel that Burr and Hamilton fought than for all their individual achievements, good or bad.

It is the theatrical change from the Potter's Field to the centre of fashion that first catches our fancy in the tale of Washington Square.

In fact, my friend, we are, first and last, children addicted to the mad yet harmless passion of story-telling and story-hearing.

I do hope that, when you read these pages, you will remember that, and be not too stern in criticism of sundry vastly important historic points which are all forgot and left out of the scheme--asking your pardon! The Village, old or new, is the home of romance (as we have said, it is to be feared at least once or twice too often ere this) and it is for us to follow those sweet and crazy trails where they may chance to lead.
Since, then, we are concerned chiefly with the spirit of adventure, we can hardly fail to note that this particular element has haunted the neighbourhood of Washington Square fairly consistently.
If you will look at the Ratzer map you will see that the Elliott estate adjoined the Brevoort lands.