Volume I.—Awakening.

And so the work was done. Belinda, after a year's hard writing, had completed her self-appointed task. Douglas the Doomed One had grown by degrees into its present proportions. First the initial volume was completed; then the second was finished; and now the third was ready for the printer's hands. But who should have it? Ah, there was the rub! Belinda knew no publishers and had no influence. How could she get anyone to take the novel up? And yet, if she was to believe the Author, there was plenty of room for untried talent. According to that interesting periodical publishers were constantly on the lookout for undiscovered genius. Why should she not try the firm of Messrs. Binding and Print? She made up her mind. She set her face hard, and muttered, "Yes, they shall do it! Douglas the Doomed One shall appear with the assistance of Messrs. Binding and Print!" And when Belinda made up her mind to do anything, not wild omnibus-horses would turn her from her purpose.