1887 1st edition; SIGNED BY FLO. M. CAMPBELL on inside page dedicated to previous owner (see pic); J. L. Regan Printing and Publishing Company, Chicago; hardbound in embossed blue boards with gilt stamp lettering on cover and spine; quite good condition with otherwise unmarked pages; minimal fox aging, minor edge dings; no dust jacket.
 
Preface -
In this every-day story for every-day people, "Jack" is a pine knot, a beacon-lighted symbol of a girl's life and work.
 
We are all of us torch-bearers to "let our light so shine before men."  The flickering light may not throw its rays beyond the home circle, but we hope it may at least light up our own corner, and it can always throw its beams upward.  Nothing can be accomplished by blindly groping.
 
The prevailing prayer of every worker should be an echo of the dying petition of the grand old German poet: "Light, more light!".
 
With the advent of every worker in this broad world of ours, comes a work for that one to do.  Our girls saw and did that work which lay nearest them.  I end my brief introduction with a quotation from Aurora Leigh, not only for the duties performed by the heroines of this volume, but as a plea for the grand army of working owmen everywhere.
 
"Measure not the work
Until the day's out and the labours done;
Then bring your guages.  If the day's work's scant,
Why, call it scant: affect no compromise;
And, in that, we have nobly striven at least.
Deal with us nobly, women though we be,
An honor us with truth, if not with praise."
F.M.C