Chapter IX: Preface: To Memoir

This is not a story of romantic scenes or unusual incidents. Externally, the life of WALTER AIMWELL was but a common one,—uncommonly common, if the paradoxical term may be used. And not only are the scenes familiar, but the hero, although a working _power_ behind or within them, hardly appears, personally.

Without doubt, the mind is most startled by singular and showy living; and it is well to know of those who, amid extraordinary circumstances, have moved gloriously. As we look on, we surely admire; we may covet the surroundings and the opportunity; we may think of copying the action; we may feel the inspiration of a generous ambition, most likely to be balked. But an every-day life, lived finely, firmly, truly, purely, appeals to all our every-day hearts, and moves them, not to envy, not to servile imitation, not to ambition; but to such sincere sympathy as will naturally take effect in noble action where we are,—we not waiting for special position, or the probability of applause.

WALTER AIMWELL.