VI INTRODUCTION

which she beguiled her long days of weariness. To the foreigner there may be conveyed by the book an impression almost of levity in the face of national disastei*. But for the French, this true picture of indomitable spirits surviving, and rising superior to, calamity, exhibits the peculiar form of fortitude so dear to the national character. He who can smile at his woes will not be utterly overwhelmed by them.

It is in the same spirit that the intelligent reader, of whatever nationality he may be, should take up this book. He will then feel that the humor with which its pages are lightened reflects that élément in the attitude of Paris which relieved, without impairing, the strained mainsprings of energy and action. He will realize that he has before him a true and impartial record, one in which the writer rises as superior to self-deception as he does to petty préjudice and to vulgar national antipathy.

From the fact that this account of the siège of Paris is, in the main, an exposition of the conduct and character of the Parisian people, it foUows that the book should not be edited chiefly on historical lines. Just so much historical and geographical information is hère supplied as may be required for a complète understanding of the text.

A considérable portion of the original text has been omitted so as to bring the book within the compass most désirable for the class-room. At the same time it is believed that no omissions occur that interfère materially either with the continuity of the narrative or with the gênerai interest and value of the work.

It has seemed best to coUect ail the brief comments on persons and places in a separate alphabetical list at the end of the volume where they can be readily referred to at any