"A happy new year to you all!" said Mr John Smith to his wife and family, as he came down to breakfast on New Year’s Day. Of course all the little John Smiths and Mary Smiths re-echoed the wish to their dear Papa; and the Editor of the Busy Bee would fain to follow their example, and wish his readers a very happy New Year!
"Somewhat late in the day!" says smiling Miss Simpkins, with a reproachful glance. "Ah madam! If you had had all the labour that I have, perhaps you would have been a little behind ?? too. Such a collecting of manuscripts, such a rushing of the pen, over such acres of paper, such a confused mass of thoughts in the Editor‘s brain, enough to delay even an Express train! And more over Madam, had you been quite punctual in sending in your valuable contributions perhaps the Editor would have been punctual in sending in out his magazine!
Ah well! We all have our failings, and as the year is not very old yet, but is even now only a baby in long clothes, the Editor is not so very much behind his appointed day. However, be that as it may, here we are, with many apologies and confessions of guilt! Here is a heterogeneous collection for your breakfast table! May it only not prove indigestible! And perhaps next time we put in an appearance, with many a timid glance, we shall not be so late as we are now; however in the mean time, with a repetition of her former good wishes, the Editor will just bow herself off the stage, and retire into private life.
Preface No 1
A Conscientious Ghost