ave deserved such a title? Has
my work been done so cheerfully, has my faith been so manifest in my
life, that men have crowned me with this comforting assurance that my
prayers for grace have been answered?"

"Then you would be pleased if we called you by this name?"

"You will make me happy by giving me the honorable title. No other, in
the power of kings to bestow, could tempt me to part with it. As long as
you find me sincere in my faith and conduct, call me _Father
Brighthopes_. When I turn to the dark side of life, and waste my breath
in complaining of the clouds, instead of rejoicing in the sunshine, then
disgrace me by taking away my title."

"I wish more of us had your disposition," said Mr. Royden, with a sad
shake of the head.

"There is no disposition so easy, and which goes so smoothly through the
world," replied the old man, smiling.

Mr. Royden felt the force of the remark, but, being a man of
exceedingly fine nerves, he did not think it would be possible for him
to break up his habit of fretfulness, in the midst of all the annoyances
which strewed his daily path with thorns. He said as much to his aged
friend.

"Do you never stop to consider the utter insignificance of all those
little trials, compared with the immortal destiny of man?" replied
Father Brighthopes. "I remember when a blot of ink on a page I had
written over would completely upset my temper. That was the labor of
copying the spoiled manuscript? What are all the trivial accidents of
life? What even is the loss of property? Think of eternity, and answer.
Afflictions discipline us. Sorrows purify the soul. Once an insulting
word would throw me into a violent passion; but to-day I will do what I
think right; and smile calmly at persecution."

The old man's philosophy had evidently made an impression. Mr. Royden
went about his work in a more calm and self-supported manner than was
his wont; and the children had never known their mother in a better
humor, at that time of day, than when directing the household affairs,
after breakfast.

Lizzie did not fail to remind Father Brighthopes of the book he promised
her; and, in opening his trunks, he found not only what she wanted, but
volumes to suit all tastes, from Sarah's down to Georgie's, and even a
little picture-book for Willie. He also put his hand on something which
he thought would interest Sam, laid up with his lame ankle; and selected
one of the most attractive books in his posses