This early work by American novelist Catharine Maria Sedgewick was originally published in 1824. Sedgewick produced such popular novels as: 'Hope Leslie', and 'The Linwoods', with the genre of her work often classified as 'domestic fiction'. Setting her tales in America, and espousing values of patriotism, she became one of the most popular female novelists of her time. To compliment the republication of this work, a brand new introductory biography of the author has been added.