第1章 PREFACE

My Dear Godson HUBERT GRIFFITH

and his sister MARGARET

TO HUBERT

Dear Hubert, if I ever found A wishing-carpet lying round, I'd stand upon it, and I'd say:

'Take me to Hubert, right away!'

And then we'd travel very far To where the magic countries are That you and I will never see, And choose the loveliest gifts for you, from me.

But oh! alack! and well-a-day!

No wishing-carpets come my way.

I never found a Phoenix yet, And Psammeads are so hard to get!

So I give you nothing fine--

Only this book your book and mine, And hers, whose name by yours is set;Your book, my book, the book of Margaret!

E.NESBIT

DYMCHURCH

September, 1904