Project Gutenberg's Father Brighthopes, by John Townsend Trowbridge

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Title: Father Brighthopes
An Old Clergyman's Vacation

Author: John Townsend Trowbridge

Release Date: July 22, 2010 [EBook #33221]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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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

[Illustration]

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,