Chapter I: Preface

I THINK this book tells its own story, such as it is. It is simply a tale of quiet country life in a New England parish, with some of its oddities and advantages, and a little of the tragedy which is found everywhere. It is not meant specially either for old or young, though I hope both classes may find entertainment and profit in it.

One word as to the Bible-class service. I believe such neighborhood meetings would be found of the utmost advantage both in city and country parishes. In the city especially may always be found a large class of women who have been brought up to attend church regularly, but have fallen out of the habit, at first, perhaps, kept at home by the cares of young children, and afterward from indifference. Such persons may often be induced to attend a service in a neighbor's house or some such place, of an evening, when they would not go to church. My idea of such services would be to make them "Bible-readings," in which all should be invited to take part. I do believe that a great deal of good might be done in this way.

LUCY ELLEN GUERNSEY.

CONTENTS.

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CHAPTER I.

THE RED SCHOOLHOUSE

CHAPTER II.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

CHAPTER III.

KIT AT HOME

CHAPTER IV.

STRANGERS

CHAPTER V.

THE MEETING

CHAPTER VI.

THE ENEMY

CHAPTER VII.

THE SPRINGING GRAIN

CHAPTER VIII.

THE SNAKES

CHAPTER IX.

TWO TEA-PARTIES

CHAPTER X.

THE BIRDS OF THE AIR

CHAPTER XI.

NEW PROJECTS

CHAPTER XII.

HARMONY AND DISCORD

CHAPTER XIII.

KIT'S VICTORY

CHAPTER XIV.

MISS VAN ZANDT

CHAPTER XV.

MORE CHANGES

CHAPTER XVI.

THE TEA-PARTY

CHAPTER XVII.

MRS. ORME

CHAPTER XVIII.

TROUBLE AT HOME

CHAPTER XIX.

OLDHAM AFFAIRS

CHAPTER XX.

WARNING

CHAPTER XXI.

THE NET CLOSED

CHAPTER XXII.

THE END

OLDHAM; OR, BESIDE ALL WATERS.