FATHER BRIGHTHOPES

OR AN OLD CLERGYMAN'S VACATION

BY J. T. TROWBRIDGE

AUTHOR OF "NEIGHBOR JACKWOOD," "CUDJO'S CAVE," "LUCY ARLYN," ETC., ETC.

NEW YORK
HURST & COMPANY
PUBLISHERS

PREFACE.

"Go through the gate, children," said my aunt, "if you wish to see the garden."

I looked out upon half a dozen merry urchins scaling the garden fence. One had already jumped down into a blackberry-bush, which filled him with disgust and prickles. Another, having thrust his curly head between two rails, stuck fast, and began to cry out against the owner of the grounds—my benevolent uncle—as the author of his calamity.

Then it occurred to me that the prefatory leaf of a volume is like yonder wicket. The garden is not complete without it, although many reckless young people rush to the enclosure, creeping under and climbing over at any place, in order to plunge at once amid the fruits and flowers. But the wise always go through the gate; and the little fellow who leaps among the briers or hangs himself in the fence has only himself to blame for the misfortune.

So I resolved to put together this little wicket of a preface; and now, as I throw it open to my friends, let me say a few words about the garden-walks I have prepared.

That they contain some things beautiful, as well as useful, is my sincere trust. Yet I warn thee, ardent youth, and thee, romantic maid, that you will find no hothouse plants, no frail exotics, here. I may promise you some stout sunflowers, however,—pinks, pea-blossoms and peonies,—also a few fresh roses, born in the free country air.

Scorn not these homely scenes, my friends; for you may perchance find the morning-glory of Truth blooming at your side; the vine of Hope overarching your path like a rainbow; yea, and the tree of Life growing in the midst of the garden.

I hope no one will complain of the gay birds singing and fluttering among the boughs; for they can do but slight damage to the sober fruit, and the visitor may owe it to their cheerful strains if he is preserved from drowsiness amid the odors of the poppy-beds.

CONTENTS.

Preface
I. A "United Happy Family."
II. Chester
III. Evening at the Farm-house
IV. The Old Clergyman
V. Chester's Confession
VI. Morning at the Farm
VII. Clouds and Sunshine
VIII. Country Scenes
IX. Mark, the Jockey
X. Company
XI. The Lovely and the Unloved
XII. Domestic Economy
XIII. Talk by the Way
XIV. Deacon Dustan's Policy
XV. The Philosophy of a Wooden Leg
XVI. Going to Meeting
XVII. Father Brighthopes in the Pulpit
XVIII. Mr. Kerchey
XIX. Monday Morning
XX. The Hay-field
XXI. The Swamp-lot
XXII. The Fight and the Victory
XXIII. Saturday Afternoon
XXIV. The Thunder-storm
XXV. A Stream of Peace
XXVI. The Rainy Day
XXVII. "Old Folks and Young Folks"
XXVIII. Mr. Kerchey's Daring Exploit
XXIX. Mrs. Royden's Dinner-party
XXX. The Old Clergyman's Farewell
XXXI. The Departure