, in no very pleasant
mood, put it on Willie's head,--reprimanding Mr. Royden for moving so
slowly.

"I have made up my mind that it is best never to be in a hurry," he
replied, in a gentle tone.

However, he drove very fast, and arrived at the meeting-house steps
shortly after the last peals of the bell died upon the air. Nothing he
disliked more than to go in late; but he was a little cheered at seeing
the Dustans, who lived so near, roll up to the graveled walks, in their
grand carriage, while he was helping his family out.

XVII.

FATHER BRIGHTHOPES IN THE PULPIT.

During all the unpleasant hurry and confusion of the morning, Father
Brighthopes had remained beautifully serene. He seemed to enjoy the ride
on that still Sabbath--so different, in its calm and quiet loveliness,
from all other days in the week--as much as if nothing inharmonious had
occurred. But he was more thoughtful than usual, talking little, as if
his meditations took a higher and holier range than on common occasions.

His venerable aspect attracted general attention, as he entered the
aisle with the family, at the close of the prayer. His aged form was
slightly bent, his calm eyes downcast, and his step very soft and light;
while his countenance beamed with a meek and childlike expression of
reverence and love.

The old man seated himself with his relatives, in a humble attitude; but
Mr. Corlis, after reading the hymn, invited him, through Deacon Dustan,
to come up into the pulpit. He could not well refuse, although he would
have preferred to remain in his obscure position. He ascended the hidden
stairway, which always looked so mysterious to young children, and soon
his fine, noble head, with its expansive forehead, and thin, white locks
of hair, appeared above the crimson cushions of the desk.

From the pulpit, he glanced his eye over the congregation, as they arose
with the singers and stood during the hymn. He was very happy, looking
kindly down upon so many strangers, who seemed all dear brothers and
sisters to his great heart,--near relations and friends, no less than
they who sat in Mr. Royden's pew, and Sarah and Chester in the choir.

The sermon was one of the best Mr. Corlis had ever preached. It was not
so flowery as many of his discourses, nor so deep in doctrinal research
as others, but it contained more practical Christianity than any of his
previous productions. When Father Brighthopes, who was agreeably
disappoin