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THE MYSTERY OF METROPOLISVILLE
BY EDWARD EGGLESTON
AUTHOR OF "THE HOOGLEE SCHOOL-MASTER," "THE END OF THE WORLD," ETC
1888
TO ONE WHO KNOWS WITH ME A LOVE-STORY, NOW MORE THAN FIFTEEN YEARS INLENGTH, AND BETTER A HUNDREDFOLD THAN ANY I SHALL EVER BE ABLE TO WRITE,THIS BOOK IS INSCRIBED, ON AN ANNIVERSARY.
MARCH 18TH, 1873.
PREFACE.
A novel should be the truest of books. It partakes in a certain sense ofthe nature of both history and art. It needs to be true to human naturein its permanent and essential qualities, and it should truthfullyrepresent some specific and temporary manifestation of human nature: thatis, some form of society. It has been objected that I have copied lifetoo closely, but it seems to me that the work to be done just now, is torepresent the forms and spirit of our own life, and thus free ourselvesfrom habitual imitation of that which is foreign. I have wished to makemy stories of value as a contribution to the history of civilization inAmerica. If it be urged that this is not the highest function, I replythat it is just now the most necessary function of this kind ofliterature. Of the value of these stories as works of art, others mustjudge; but I shall have the satisfaction of knowing that I have at leastrendered one substantial though humble service to our literature, if Ihave portrayed correctly certain forms of American life and manners.
BROOKLYN, March, 1873.
CONTENTS.
PREFACE
WORDS BEFOREHAND
CHAPTER I. The Autocrat of the Stage-Coach
CHAPTER II. The Sod Tavern
CHAPTER III. Land and Love
CHAPTER IV. Albert and Katy
CHAPTER V. Corner Lots
CHAPTER VI. Little Katy's Lover
CHAPTER VII. Catching and Getting Caught
CHAPTER VIII. Isabel Marlay
CHAPTER IX. Lovers and Lovers
CHAPTER X. Plausaby, Esq., takes a Fatherly Interest