Chapter I: Introduction: Picture: Decorative divider

_In offering my early recollections of Chelsea and surrounding neighbourhood_, _I thought they might be interesting to many of my old friends and neighbours_, _and while away pleasantly some of their leisure moments_. _The idea of compiling them from a diary_, _spasmodically kept_, _only occurred to me when confined to my room_, _to pass away some of the weary hours_, _and I certainly found the task extremely advantageous_. _Accordingly_, _I have had them printed_, _for presentation to my friends_, _as a souvenir of our old friendship_.

_Highfield Lodge_,
_Wandsworth Common_.
_June_, 1901.