Wilkie Collins 
Law and the Lady 
A Novel

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. IN offering this book to you, I have no Preface to write. I have only to request-that you will bear in mind certain established truths, which occasmnally escape your memory when you are reading a work of fiction. Be pleased, then, to remember (first): that the actions of human beings are not invariably governed by the laws of pure reason. (secondly) that we are by no means always in the habit (especially when we happen to be women) of bestowing our love on the objects which are the most deserving of it, in the Opinions of our friends. (thirdly and Lastly): that Characters which may not have appeared, and Events which may not have taken place, Within the limits of our own individual experience, may nevertheless be perfectly natural Characters and perfectly probable Events, for all that. Having said these few words, I have said’all that seems to be necessary at the present time; and I bid you cordially farewell.