I have a great deal of difficulty in beginning to write my portion of these pages, for I know I am not clever. I always knew that. I can remember, when I was a very little girl indeed, I used to say to my doll when we were alone together, "Now, Dolly, I am not clever, you know very well, and you must be patient with me, like a dear!" And so she used to sit propped up in a great arm-chair, with her beautiful complexion and rosy lips, staring at me--or not so much at me, I think, as at nothing--while I busily stitched away and told her every one of my secrets.

I have a great deal of difficulty in beginning to write my portion of these pages, for I know I am not clever. I always knew that. I remember, when I was a very little girl, I used to say to my doll when we were alone together, "Now, Dolly, I am not clever, and you must be patient with me, like a dear!" And she used to sit propped up in a great arm-chair, staring at me - or, rather, at nothing - while I busily stitched away and told her every one of my secrets.
