第1章

AGO，upamongtheNewHampshirehills，livedFarmerBassett，withahousefulofsturdysonsanddaughtersgrowingupabouthim。Theywerepoorinmoney，butrichinlandandlove，forthewideacresofwood，corn，andpasturelandfed，warmed，andclothedtheflock，whilemutualpatience，affection，andcouragemadetheoldfarmhouseaveryhappyhome。 Novemberhadcome； thecropswerein，andbarn，buttery，andbinwereoverflowingwiththeharvestthatrewardedthesummer\'shardwork。Thebigkitchenwasajollyplacejustnow，forinthegreatfireplaceroaredacheerfulfire；onthewallshunggarlandsofdriedapples，onions，andcorn；upaloftfromthebeamsshonecrook-neckedsquashes，juicyhams，anddriedvenison——forinthosedaysdeerstillhauntedthedeepforests，andhuntersflourished。 Savorysmellswereintheair；onthecranehungsteamingkettles，anddownamongtheredemberscoppersaucepanssimmered，allsuggestiveofsomeapproachingfeast。 Awhite-headedbabylayintheoldbluecradlethathadrockedsixotherbabies，nowandthenliftinghisheadtolookout，likearound，fullmoon，thensubsidedtokickandcrowcontentedly，andsucktherosyapplehehadnoteethtobite。 Twosmallboyssatonthewoodensettleshellingcornforpopping，andpickingoutthebiggestnutsfromthegoodlystoretheirownhandshadgatheredinOctober。Fouryounggirlsstoodatthelongdresser，busilychoppingmeat，poundingspice，andslicingapples；andthetonguesofTilly，Prue，Roxy，andRhodywentasfastastheirhands。FarmerBassett，andEph，theoldestboy，were\"chorin\'\'round\"outside，forThanksgivingwasathand，andallmustbeinorderforthattime-honoredday。 Toandfro，fromtabletohearth，bustledbuxomMrs。Bassett，flushedandfloury，butbusyandblitheasthequeenbeeofthisbusylittlehiveshouldbe。 \"Idoliketobeginseasonableandhavethingstomymind。Thanksgivin\'dinnerscan\'tbedrove，anditdoestakeasightofvictualstofillallthesehungrystomicks，\" saidthegoodwoman，asshegaveavigorousstirtothegreatkettleofciderapplesauce，andcastaglanceofhousewifelyprideatthefinearrayofpiessetforthonthebutteryshelves。 \"Onlyonemoredayandthenitwillbethetimetoeat。Ididn\'ttakebutonebowlofhastypuddingthismorning，soIshallhaveplentyofroomwhenthenicethingscome，\"confidedSethtoSol，ashecrackedalargehazelnutaseasilyasasquirrel。 \"Noneedofmystarvin\' beforehand。Ialwayshaveroomenough，andI\'dliketohaveThanksgivingeveryday，\"answeredSolomon，gloatinglikeayoungogreoverthelittlepigthatlaynearby，readyforroasting。 \"Sakesalive，Idon\'t，boys!It\'samarcyitdon\'tcomebutonceayear。Ishouldbeworntoathreadpaperwithallthisextraworkatopofmywinterweavin\'andspinnin\'，\" laughedtheirmother，assheplungedherplumparmsintothelongbreadtroughandbegantokneadthedoughasifafaminewereathand。 Tilly，theoldestgirl，ared-cheeked，black-eyedlassoffourteen，wasgrindingbrisklyatthemortar，forspiceswerecostly，andnotagrainmustbewasted。Pruekepttimewiththechopper，andthetwinsslicedawayattheapplestilltheirlittlebrownarmsached，forallknewhowtowork，anddidsonowwithawill。 \"Ithinkit\'srealfuntohaveThanksgivingathome。I\'msorryGran\'maissick，sowecan\'tgothereasusual，butIliketomess\'roundhere，don\'tyou，girls？\"askedTilly，pausingtotakeasniffatthespicypestle。 \"Itwillbekindoflonesomewithonlyourownfolks。\"\"Iliketoseeallthecousinsandaunts，andhavegames，andsing，\"criedthetwins，whowereregularlittleromps，andcouldrun，swim，coast，andshoutaswellastheirbrothers。 \"Idon\'tcareamiteforallthat。Itwillbesonicetoeatdinnertogether，warmandcomfortableathome，\"saidquietPrue，wholovedherowncozynookslikeacat。 \"Come，girls，fly\'roundandgetyourchoresdone，sowecanclearawayfordinnerjestassoonasIclapmybreadintotheoven，\"calledMrs。Bassettpresently，assheroundedoffthelastloafofbrownbreadwhichwastofeedthehungrymouthsthatseldomtastedanyother。 \"Here\'samancomin\' upthehilllively!\"\"Guessit\'sGadHopkins。Patoldhimtobringadezzenoranges，iftheywarn\'ttoohigh!\"shoutedSolandSeth，runningtothedoor，whilethegirlssmackedtheirlipsatthethoughtofthisraretreat，andBabythrewhisappleoverboard，asifgettingreadyforanewcargo。 Butallweredoomedtodisappointment，foritwasnotGad，withthemuch-desiredfruit。Itwasastranger，whothrewhimselfoffhishorseandhurrieduptoMr。Bassettintheyard，withsomebriefmessagethatmadethefarmerdrophisaxandlooksosoberthathiswifeguessedatoncesomebadnewshadcome；andcrying，\"Mother\'swuss!Iknowsheis!\"Outranthegoodwoman，forgetfuloftheflouronherarmsandtheovenwaitingforitsmostimportantbatch。 ThemansaidoldMr。 Chadwick，downtoKeene，stoppedhimashepassed，andtoldhimtotellMrs。Bassetthermotherwasfailin\'fast，andshe\'dbettercometoday。 Heknewnomore，andhavingdeliveredhiserrandherodeaway，sayingitlookedlikesnowandhemustbejogging，orhewouldn\'tgethometillnight。 \"Wemustgorightoff，Eldad。Hitchup，andI\'llbereadyinless\'nnotime，\"saidMrs。Bassett，wastingnotaminuteintearsandlamentations，butpullingoffherapronasshewentin，withherheadinasadjumbleofbread，anxiety，turkey，sorrow，haste，andciderapplesauce。 Afewwordstoldthestory，andthechildrenlefttheirworktohelphergetready，minglingtheirgrieffor\"Gran\'ma\"withregretsforthelostdinner。 \"I\'mdreadfulsorry，dears，butitcan\'tbehelped。Icouldn\'tcooknoreatnowaynow，andifthatblessedwomangetsbettersudden，asshehasbefore，we\'llhavecauseforthanksgivin\'，andI\'llgiveyouadinneryouwon\'tforgetinahurry，\"saidMrs。Bassett，asshetiedonherbrownsilkpumpkin-hood，withasobforthegoodoldmotherwhohadmadeitforher。 Notachildcomplainedafterthat，butranabouthelpfully，bringingmoccasins，heatingthefootstone，andgettingreadyforalongdrive，becauseGran\'malivedtwentymilesaway，andtherewerenorailroadsinthosepartstowhiskpeopletoandfrolikemagic。Bythetimetheoldyellowsleighwasatthedoor，thebreadwasintheoven，andMrs。Bassettwaswaiting，withhercamletcloakon，andthebabydoneuplikeasmallbaleofblankets。 \"Now，Eph，youmustlookafterthecattlelikeamanandkeepupthefires，forthere\'sastormbrewin\'，and\'neitherthechildrennordumbcrittersmustsuffer，\"saidMr。Bassett，asheturnedupthecollarofhisroughcoatandputonhisbluemittens，whiletheoldmareshookherbellsasifshepreferredatriptoKeenetohaulingwoodallday。 \"Tilly，putextrycomfortablesonthebedsto-night，thewindissosearchin\'upchamber。HavethebakedbeansandInjun-puddin\'fordinner，andwhateveryoudo，don\'tlettheboysgetatthemince-pies，oryou\'llhavethemdownsick。IshallcomebacktheminuteIcanleaveMother。Pawillcometo-morreranyway，sokeepsnugandbegood。Idependonyou，mydarter；useyourjedgment，anddon\'tletnothin\'happenwhileMother\'saway。\" \"Yes\'m，yes\'m——good-bye，good-bye!\"calledthechildren，asMrs。Bassettwaspackedintothesleighanddrivenaway，leavingastreamofdirectionsbehindher。 Eph，thesixteen-year-oldboy，immediatelyputonhisbiggestboots，assumedasober，responsiblemannerandsurveyedhislittleresponsibilitieswithapaternalair，drollylikehisfather\'s。Tillytiedonhermother\'sbunchofkeys，rolledupthesleevesofherhomespungown，andbegantoorderabouttheyoungergirls。TheysoonforgotpoorGranny，andfounditgreatfuntokeephouseallalone，forMotherseldomlefthome，butruledherfamilyinthegoodold-fashionedway。Therewerenoservants，forthelittledaughterswereMrs。Bassett\'sonlymaids，andthestoutboyshelpedtheirfather，allworkinghappilytogetherwithnowagesbutlove；learninginthebestmannertheuseoftheheadsandhandswithwhichtheyweretomaketheirownwayintheworld。 Thefewflakesthatcausedthefarmertopredictbadweathersoonincreasedtoaregularsnowstorm，withgustsofwind，forupamongthehillswintercameearlyandlingeredlong。Butthechildrenwerebusy，gay，andwarmindoors，andnevermindedtherisinggalenorthewhirlingwhitestormoutside。 Tillygotthemagooddinner，andwhenitwasoverthetwoeldergirlswenttotheirspinning，forinthekitchenstoodthebigandlittlewheels，andbasketsofwoolrollsreadytobetwistedintoyarnforthewinter\'sknitting，andeachdaybroughtitsstintofworktothedaughters，whohopedtobeasthriftyastheirmother。 Ephkeptupagloriousfire，andsuperintendedthesmallboys，whopoppedcornandwhittledboatsonthehearth；whileRoxyandRhodydressedcorncobdollsinthesettlecorner，andBose，thebrindledmastiff，layonthebraidedmat，luxuriouslywarminghisoldlegs。Thusemployed，theymadeaprettypicture，theserosyboysandgirls，intheirhomespunsuits，withtherustictoysortaskswhichmostchildrennowadayswouldfindverypoorortiresome。 TillyandPruesang，astheysteppedtoandfro，drawingoutthesmoothlytwistedthreadstothemusicalhumofthegreatspinningwheels。Thelittlegirlschatteredlikemagpiesovertheirdollsandthenewbedspreadtheywereplanningtomake，allwhitedimitystarsonabluecalicoground，asaChristmaspresenttoMa。TheboysroaredatEph\'sjokes，andhadroughandtumblegamesoverBose，whodidn\'tmindthemintheleast；andsotheafternoonworepleasantlyaway。 Atsunsettheboyswentouttofeedthecattle，bringinheapsofwood，andlockupforthenight，asthelonelyfarmhouseseldomhadvisitorsafterdark。Thegirlsgotthesimplesupperofbrownbreadandmilk，bakedapples，andadoughnutall\'roundasatreat。Thentheysatbeforethefire，thesistersknitting，thebrotherswithbooksorgames，forEphlovedreading，andSolandSethneverfailedtoplayafewgamesofMorriswithbarleycorns，onthelittleboardtheyhadthemselvesatonecornerofthedresser。 \"Readoutapiece，\" saidTillyfromMother\'schair，whereshesatinstate，finishingoffthesixthwoolensockshehadknitthatmonth。 \"It\'stheoldhistorybook，buthere\'sabityoumaylike，sinceit\'saboutourfolks，\"answeredEph，turningtheyellowpagetolookatapictureoftwoquaintlydressedchildreninsomeancientcastle。 \"Yes，readthat。I alwaysliketohearabouttheLadyMatildyIwasnamedfor，andLordBassett，Pa\'sgreat-great-greatgrandpa。He\'sonlyafarmernow，butit\'snicetoknowweweresomebodytwoorthreehundredyearsago，\"saidTilly，bridlingandtossinghercurlyheadasshefanciedtheLadyMatildamighthavedone。 \"Don\'treadthequeerwords，\'causewedon\'tunderstand\'em。Tellit，\"commandedRoxy，fromthecradle，whereshewasdrowsilycuddledwithRhody。 \"Well，alongtimeago，whenCharlestheFirstwasinprison，LordBassettwasatruefriendtohim，\"beganEph，plungingintohisstorywithoutdelay。\"Thelordhadsomepapersthatwouldhavehungalotofpeopleiftheking\'senemiesgotholdof\'em，sowhenheheardoneday，allofasudden，thatsoldierswereatthecastlegatetocarryhimoff，hehadjusttimetocallhisgirltohimandsay:\'Imaybegoingtomydeath，butIwon\'tbetraymymaster。Thereisnotimetoburnthepapers，andIcannottakethemwithme；theyarehiddenintheoldleathernchairwhereIsit。Nooneknowsthisbutyou，andyoumustguardthemtillIcomeorsendyouasafemessengertotakethemaway。Promisemetobebraveandsilent，andIcangowithoutfear。\'Yousee，hewasn\'tafraidtodie，buthewastoseematraitor。 LadyMatildypromisedsolemnly，andthewordswerehardlyoutofhermouthwhenthemencamein，andherfatherwascarriedawayaprisonerandsentofftotheTower。\" \"Butshedidn\'tcry； shejustcalledherbrother，andsatdowninthatchair，withherheadleaningbackonthosepapers，likeaqueen，andwaitedwhilethesoldiershuntedthehouseoverfor\'em:wasn\'tthatasmartgirl？\"criedTilly，beamingwithpride，forshewasnamedforthisancestress，andknewthestorybyheart。 \"Ireckonshewasscared，though，whenthemencameswearininandaskedherifsheknewanythingaboutit。Theboydidhispartthen，forhedidn\'tknow，andfiredupandstoodbeforehissister；andhesays，sayshe，asboldasalion:\'Ifmylordhadtolduswherethepapersbe，wewoulddiebeforewewouldbetrayhim。Butwearechildrenandknownothing，anditiscowardlyofyoutotrytofightuswithoathsanddrawnswords!\'\" AsEphquotedfromthebook，SethplantedhimselfbeforeTilly，withthelongpokerinhishand，saying，asheflourisheditvaliantly: \"Whydidn\'ttheboytakehisfather\'sswordandlayabouthim？Iwould，ifanyonewasha\'shtoTilly。\" \"Youbantam!Hewasonlyabitofaboy，andcouldn\'tdoanything。Sitdownandheartherestofit，\"commandedTilly，withapatontheyellowhead，andaprivateresolvethatSethshouldhavethelargestpieceofpieatdinnernextday，asrewardforhischivalry。 \"Well，themenwentoffafterturningthecastleoutofwindow，buttheysaidtheyshouldcomeagain；sofaithfulMatildywasfulloftrouble，andhardlydaredtoleavetheroomwherethechairstood。Alldayshesatthere，andatnighthersleepwassofulloffearaboutit，thatsheoftengotupandwenttoseethatallwassafe。Theservantsthoughtthefrighthadhurtherwits，andletherbe，butRupert，theboy，stoodbyherandneverwasafraidofherqueerways。Shewas\'apiousmaid，\'thebooksays，andoftenspentthelongeveningsreadingtheBible，withherbrotherbyher，allaloneinthegreatroom，withnoonetohelpherbearhersecret，andnogoodnewsofherfather。Atlast，wordcamethatthekingwasdeadandhisfriendsbanishedoutofEngland。Thenthepoorchildrenwereinasadplight，fortheyhadnomother，andtheservantsallranaway，leavingonlyonefaithfuloldmantohelpthem。\" \"Butthefatherdidcome？\"criedRoxy，eagerly。 \"You\'llsee，\"continuedEph，halftelling，halfreading。\"Matildawassurehewould，soshesatoninthebigchair，guardingthepapers，andnoonecouldgetheraway，tillonedayamancamewithherfather\'sringandtoldhertogiveupthesecret。Sheknewthering，butwouldnottelluntilshehadaskedmanyquestions，soastobeverysure，andwhilethemanansweredallaboutherfatherandtheking，shelookedathimsharply。Thenshestoodupandsaid，inatremble，fortherewassomethingstrangeabouttheman:\'Sir，Idoubtyouinspiteofthering，andIwillnotanswertillyoupulloffthefalsebeardyouwear，thatImayseeyourfaceandknowifyouaremyfather\'sfriendorfoe。\'Offcamethedisguise，andMatildafounditwasmylordhimself，cometotakethemwithhimoutofEngland。Hewasveryproudofthatfaithfulgirl，Iguess，fortheoldchairstillstandsinthecastle，andtheInamekeepsinthefamily，Pasays，evenoverhere，wheresomeoftheBassettscamealongwiththePilgrims。\" \"OurTillywouldhavebeenasbrave，Iknow，andshelooksliketheoldpicterdowntoGran\' ma\'s，don\'tshe，Eph？\"criedPrue，whoadmiredherbold，brightsisterverymuch。 \"Well，Ithinkyou\'ddothesettin\'partbest，Prue，youaresopatient。Tillwouldfightlikeawildcat，butshecan\'tholdhertongueworthacent\"answeredEph；whereatTillypulledhishair，andthestoryendedwithageneralfrolic。 Whenthemoon-facedclockbehindthedoorstrucknine，Tillytuckedupthechildrenunderthe\"extrycornfortables，\"andhavingkissedthemallaround，asMotherdid，creptintoherownnest，nevermindingthelittledriftsofsnowthatsiftedinuponhercoverletbetweentheshinglesoftheroof，northestormthatragedwithout。 Asifhefelttheneedofunusualvigilance，oldBoselaydownonthematbeforethedoor，andpussyhadthewarmhearthalltoherself。Ifanylatewandererhadlookedinatmidnight，hewouldhaveseenthefireblazingupagain，andinthecheeffulglowtheoldcatblinkingheryelloweyes，asshesatboltuprightbesidethespinningwheel，likesomesortofhouseholdgoblin，guardingthechildrenwhiletheyslept。 Whentheywoke，likeearlybirds，itstillsnowed，butupthelittleBassettsjumped，broketheiceintheirjugs，andwentdownwithcheeksglowinglikewinterapples，afterabriskscrubandscrambleintotheirclothes。Ephwasofftothebarn，andTillysoonhadagreatkettleofmushready，which，withmilkwarmfromthecowsmadeawholesomebreakfastforthesevenheartychildren。 \"Nowaboutdinner，\" saidtheyounghousekeeper，asthepewterspoonsstoppedclattering，andtheearthenbowlsstoodempty。 \"Masaid，havewhatweliked，butshedidn\'texpectustohavearealThanksgivingdinner，becauseshewon\'tbeheretocookit，andwedon\'tknowhow，\"beganPrue，doubtfully。 \"Icanroastaturkeyandmakeapuddingaswellasanybody，Iguess。Thepiesareallready，andifwecan\'tboilvegetablesandsoon，wedon\'tdeserveanydinner，\" criedTilly，burningtodistinguishherself，andboundtoenjoytotheutmostherbriefauthority。 \"Yes，yes!\"criedalltheboys，\"let\'shaveadinneranyway；Mawon\'tcare，andthegoodvictualswillspoiliftheyain\'teatenrightup。\" \"Paiscomingtonight，sowewon\'thavedinnertilllate；thatwillberealgenteelandgiveusplentyoftime，\"addedTilly，suddenlyrealizingthenoveltyofthetaskshehadundertaken。 \"Didyoueverroastaturkey？\"askedRoxy，withanairofdeepinterest。 \"Shouldyoudarsttotry？\"saidRhody，inanawe-strickentone。 \"YouwillseewhatIcando。MasaidIwastousemyjudgmentaboutthings，andI\'mgoingto。Allyouchildrenhavegottodoistokeepoutoftheway，andletPrueandmework。Eph，Iwishyou\'dputafireinthebestroom，sothelittleonescanplayinthere。Weshallwantthesettin-roomforthetable，andIwonthavethempickin\'roundwhenwegetthingsfixed，\"commandedTilly，boundtomakehershortreignabrilliantone。 \"Idon\'tknowaboutthat。Madidn\'ttellusto，\"begancautiousEphwhofeltthatthisinvasionofthesacredbestparlorwasadaringstep。 \"Don\'twealwaysdoitSundaysandThanksgivings？Wouldn\'tMawishthechildrenkeptsafeandwarmanyhow？CanIgetupanicedinnerwithfourrascalsundermyfeetallthetime？Come，now，ifyouwantroastturkeyandonions，plum-puddin\' andmince-pie，you\'llhavetodoasItellyou，andbelivelyaboutit。\" Tillyspokewithsuchspirit，andhersuggestionwassoirresistible，thatEphgavein，and，laughinggood-naturedly，trampedawaytoheatupthebestroom，devoutlyhopingthatnothingseriouswouldhappentopunishsuchaudacity。 Theyoungfolksdelightedlytroopedawaytodestroytheorderofthatprimapartmentwithhousekeepingundertheblackhorsehairsofa，\"horseback-riders\"onthearmsofthebestrockingchair，andanIndianwardancealloverthewell-waxedfurniture。 Eph，findingthesocietyofpeacefulsheepandcowsmoretohismindthanthatoftwoexcitedsisters，lingeredoverhischoresinthebarnaslongaspossible，andleftthegirlsinpeace。 NowTillyandPruewereintheirglory，andassoonasthebreakfastthingswereoutoftheway，theypreparedforagrandcookingtime。Theywerehandygirls，thoughtheyhadneverheardofacookingschool，nevertouchedapiano，andknewnothingofembroiderybeyondthesamplerswhichhungframedintheparlor； oneornamentedwithapinkmournerunderablueweepingwillow，theotherwiththispleasingverse，eachwordbeingdoneinadifferentcolor，whichgavetheeffectofadistractedrainbow:Thissamplerneatwasworkedbyme，Inmytwelfthyear，PrudenceB。Bothrolleduptheirsleeves，putontheirlargestaprons，andgotoutallthespoons，dishes，pots，andpanstheycouldfind，\"soastohaveeverythinghandy，\"Pruesaid。 \"Now，sister，we\'llhavedinneratfive；Pawillbeherebythattime，ifheiscomingtonight，andbesosurprisedtofindusallready，forhewon\'thavehadanyverynicevictualsifGran\'maissosick，\"saidTilly，importantly。\"Ishallgivethechildrenapieceatnoon\"(Tillymeantluncheon)；\"doughnutsandcheese，withapplepieandcider，willplease\'em。There\'sbeansforEph； helikescoldpork，sowewon\'tstoptowarmitup，forthere\'slotstodo，andIdon\'tmindsayingtoyouI\'mdreadfuldubersomeabouttheturkey。\" \"It\'sallreadybutthestuffing，androastingisaseasyascanbe。Icanbastefirst-rate。 Maalwayslikestohaveme，I\'msopatientandstiddy，shesays，\"answeredPrue，fortheresponsibilityofthisgreatundertakingdidnotrestuponher，soshetookacheerfulviewofthings。 \"Iknow，butit\'sthestuffin\'thattroublesme，\"saidTilly，rubbingherroundelbowsassheeyedtheimmensefowllaidoutonaplatterbeforeher。\"Idon\'tknowhowmuchIwant，norwhatsortofyarbstoputin，andhe\'ssoawfulbig，I\'mkindofafraidofhim。\" \"Iain\'t!Ifedhimallsummer，andhenevergobbledatme。Ifeelrealmeantobethinkingofgobblinghim，pooroldchap，\"laughedPrue，pattingherdepartedpetwithanairofmingledaffectionandappetite。 \"Well，I\'llgetthepuddin\'offmymindfust，foritoughttobileallday。Putthebigkettleon，andseethatthespitisclean，whileIgetready。\" Prueobedientlytuggedawayatthecrane，withitsblackhooks，fromwhichhungtheironteakettleandthree-leggedpot；thenshesettledthelongspitinthegroovesmadeforitinthetallandirons，andputthedrippingpanunderneath，forinthosedaysmeatwasroastedasitshouldbe，notbakedinovens。 MeantimeTillyattackedtheplumpudding。Shefeltprettysureofcomingoutright，here，forshehadseenhermotherdoitsomanytimes，itlookedveryeasy。Soinwentsuetandfruit；allsortsofspice，tobesureshegottherightones，andbrandyinsteadofwine。Butsheforgotbothsugarandsalt，andtieditintheclothsotightlythatithadnoroomtoswell，soitwouldcomeoutasheavyasleadandashardasacannonball，ifthebagdidnotburstandspoilitall。Happilyunconsciousofthesemistakes，Tillypoppeditintothepot，andproudlywatcheditbobbingaboutbeforesheputthecoveronandleftittoitsfate。 \"Ican\'trememberwhatflavorin\'Maputsin，\"shesaid，whenshehadgotherbreadwellsoakedforstuffing。\"Sageandonionsandapplesaucegowithgoose，butIcan\'tfeelsureofanythingbutpepperandsaltforaturkey。\" \"Maputsinsomekindofmint，Iknow，butIforgetwhetheritisspearmint，peppermint，orpennyroyal，\" answeredPrue，inatoneofdoubt，buttryingtoshowherknowledgeof\"yarbs，\"or，atleast，oftheirnames。 \"Seemstomeit\'ssweetmajoramorsummersavory。Iguesswe\'llputbothin，andthenwearesuretoberight。Thebestisupgarret；yourunandgetsome，whileImashthebread，\"commandedTilly，divingintothemess。 AwaytrottedPrue，butinherhasteshegotcatnipandwormwood，forthegarretwasdarkish，andPrue\'slittlenosewassofullofthesmelloftheonionsshehadbeenpeeling，thateverythingsmeltofthem。Eagertobeofuse，shepoundeduptheherbsandscatteredthemixturewithaliberalhandintothebowl。 \"Itdoesn\'tsmelljustright，butIsupposeitwillwhenitiscooked，\"saidTilly，asshefilledtheemptystomach，thatseemedachingforfood，andseweditupwiththeblueyarn，whichhappenedtobehandy。Sheforgottotiedownhislegsandwings，butshesethimbytillhishourcame，wellsatisfiedwithherwork。 \"Shallweroastthelittlepig，too？Ithinkhe\'dlooknicewithanecklaceofsausages，asMafixedhimatChristmas，\"askedPrue，elatedwiththeirsuccess。 \"Icouldn\'tdoit。 Ilovedthatlittlepig，andcriedwhenhewaskilled。IshouldfeelasifIwasroastingthebaby，\"answeredTilly，glancingtowardthebutterywherepiggyhung，lookingsopinkandprettyitcertainlydidseemcrueltoeathim。 Ittookalongtimetogetallthevegetablesready，for，asthecellarwasfull，thegirlsthoughttheywouldhaveeverysort。Ephhelped，andbynoonallwasreadyforcooking，andthecranberrysauce，agooddealscorched，wascookinginthelean-to。 Luncheonwasalivelymeal，anddoughnutsandcheesevanishedinsuchquantitiesthatTillyfearednoonewouldhaveanappetiteforhersumptuousdinner。Theboysassuredhertheywouldbestarvingbyfiveo\'clock，andSolmournedbitterlyoverthelittlepigthatwasnottobeservedup。 \"Nowyouallgoandcoast，whilePrueandIsetthetableandgetoutthebestchiny，\"saidTilly，bentonhavingherdinnerlookwell，nomatterwhatitsotherfailingsmightbe。 Outcametheroughsleds，onwenttheroundhoods，oldhats，redcloaks，andmoccasins，andawaytrudgedthefouryoungerBassetts，todisportthemselvesinthesnow，andtrytheicedownbytheoldmill，wherethegreatwheelturnedandsplashedsomerrilyinthesummertime。 Ephtookhisfiddleandscrapedawaytohisheart\'scontentintheparlor，whilethegirls，afterashortrest，setthetableandmadeallreadytodishupthedinnerwhenthatexcitingmomentcame。Itwasnotatallthesortoftableweseenow，butwouldlookveryplainandcountrifiedtous，withitsgreen-handledknives，andtwo-prongedsteelforks，itsred-and-whitechina，andpewterplatters，scouredtilltheyshone，withmugsandspoonstomatch，andabrownjugforthecider。Theclothwascoarse，butwhiteassnow，andthelittlemaidshadseentheblue-eyedflaxgrow，outofwhichtheirmotherwovethelinen；theyhadwatchedandwatchedwhileitbleachedinthegreenmeadow。Theyhadnonapkinsandlittlesilver；butthebesttankardandMa\'sfewweddingspoonsweresetforthinstate。Nutsandapplesatthecornersgaveanair，andtheplaceofhonorwasleftinthemiddlefortheorangesyettocome。 \"Don\'titlookbeautiful？\" saidPrue，whentheypausedtoadmirethegeneraleffect。 \"Prettynice，Ithink。 IwishMacouldseehowwellwecandoit，\"beganTilly，whenaloudhowlingstartledbothgirls，andsentthemflyingtothewindow。Theshortafternoonhadpassedsoquicklythattwilighthadcomebeforetheyknewit，andnow，astheylookedoutthroughthegatheringdusk，theysawfoursmallblackfigurestearinguptheroad，tocomeburstingin，allscreamingatonce: \"Thebear，thebear!Eph，getthegun!He\'scoming，he\'scoming!\" Ephhaddroppedhisfiddle，andgotdownhisgunbeforethegirlscouldcalmthechildrenenoughtotelltheirstory，whichtheydidinasomewhatincoherentmanner。\"Downintheholler，coastin\'，weheardagrowl，\"beganSol，withhiseyesasbigassaucers。\"Iseehimfustlookin\'overthewall，\"roaredSeth，eagertogethisshareofhonor。 \"Awfulbigandshaggy，\" quaveredRoxy，clingingtoTilly，whileRhodyhidinPrue\'sskirts，andpipedout: \"Hisgreatpawskeptclawingatus，andIwassoscaredmylegswouldhardlygo。\" \"Weranawayasfastaswecouldgo，andhecamegrowlin\'afterus。He\'sawfulhungry，andhe\'lleateveryoneofusifhegetsin，\"continuedSol，lookingabouthimforasaferetreat。 \"Oh，Eph，don\'tlethimeatus，\"criedbothlittlegirls，flyingupstairstohideundertheirmother\'sbed，astheirsurestshelter。 \"Nodangerofthat，youlittlegeese。I\'llshoothimassoonashecomes。Getoutoftheway，boys，\"andEphraisedthewindowtogetgoodaim。 \"Thereheis!Fireaway，anddon\'tmiss!\"criedSeth，hastilyfollowingSol，whohadclimbedtothetopofthedresserasagoodperchfromwhichtoviewtheapproachingfray。 Prueretiredtothehearthasifbentondyingatherpostratherthandeserttheturkey，now\"browningbeautiful，\"assheexpressedit。ButTillyboldlystoodattheopenwindow，readytolendahandiftheenemyprovedtoomuchforEph。 Allhadseenbears，butnonehadevercomesonearbefore，andevenbraveEphfeltthatthebigbrownbeastslowlytrottingupthedooryardwasanunusuallyformidablespecimen。Hewasgrowlinghorribly，andstoppednowandthenasiftorestandshakehimself。 \"Gettheax，Tilly，andifIshouldmiss，standreadytokeephimoffwhileIloadagain，\" saidEph，anxioustokillhisfirstbearinstyleandalone；agirl\'shelpdidn\'tcount。 Tillyflewfortheax，andwasatherbrother\'ssidebythetimethebearwasnearenoughtobedangerous。Hestoodonhishindlegs，andseemedtosniffwithrelishthesavoryodorsthatpouredoutofthewindow。 \"Fire，Eph!\"criedTilly，firmly。 \"Waittillherearsagain。I\'llgetabettershotthen\"answeredtheboy，whilePruecoveredherearstoshutoutthebang，andthesmallboyscheeredfromtheirdustyrefugeamongthepumpkins。 Butaverysingularthinghappenednext，andallwhosawitstoodamazed，forsuddenlyTillythrewdowntheax，flungopenthedoor，andranstraightintothearmsofthebear，whostooderecttoreceiveher，whilehisgrowlingschangedtoaloud\"Haw，haw!\"thatstartledthechildrenmorethanthereportofagun。 \"It\'sGadHopkins，tryin\'tofoolus!\"criedEph，muchdisgustedatthelossofhisprey，forthesehardyboyslovedtohuntandpridedthemselvesonthenumberofwildanimalsandbirdstheycouldshootinayear。 \"Oh，Gad，howcouldyouscareusso？\"laughedTilly，stillheldfastinoneshaggyarmofthebear，whiletheotherdrewadozenorangesfromsomedeeppocketinthebuffalo-skincoat，andfiredthemintothekitchenwithsuchgoodaimthatEphducked，Pruescreamed，andSolandSethcamedownmuchquickerthantheywentup。 \"Wal，youseeIgotupsotoveryonder，andtheoldhorsewenthomewhileIwasflounderinginadrift，soItiedonthebuffalerstotote\'emeasy，andcomealongtillIseethechildrenplayin\'intheholler。Ijestmeanttogive\'emalittlescare，buttheyrunlikepartridges，andIkep\'upthejoketoseehowEphwouldlikethissortofcompany，\"andGadhaw-hawedagain。 \"You\'dhavehadawarmwelcomeifwehadn\'tfoundyouout。I\'dhaveputabulletthroughyouinajiffy，oldchap，\"saidEph，comingouttoshakehandswiththeyounggiant，whowasonlyayearortwoolderthanhimself。 \"Comeinandsetuptodinnerwithus。PrueandIhavedoneitallourselves，andPawillbealongsoon，Ireckon，\"criedTilly，tryingtoescape。 \"Couldn\'t，noways。 MyfolkswillthinkI\'mdeadefIdon\'tgetalonghome，sencethehorseandsleighhavegoneaheademptyI\'vedonemyarrantandhadmyjoke；nowIwantmypay，Tilly，\"andGadtookaheartykissfromtherosycheeksofhis\"littlesweetheart，\"ashecalledher。Hisowncheekstingledwiththesmartslapshegavehimassheranaway，callingoutthatshehatedbearsandwouldbringheraxnexttime。 \"Iain\'tafeared——yoursharpeyesfoundmeout:andefyourunintoabear\'sarmsyoumustexpectahug，\"answeredGad，ashepushedbacktherobeandsettledhisfurcapmorebecomingly。 \"IshouldhaveknownyouinaminuteifIhadn\'tbeenasleepwhenthegirlssqualled。Youdiditwell，though，andIadviseyounottotryitagaininahurry，oryou\'llgetshot，\"saidEph，astheyparted，herathercrestfallenandGadinhighglee。 \"Mysakesalive——theturkeyisallburntoneside，andthekettleshavebiledoversothepiesIputtowarmareallashes!\"scoldedTilly，astheflurrysubsidedandsherememberedherdinner。 \"Well，Ican\'thelpit。Icouldn\'tthinkofvictualswhenIexpectedtobeeatenalivemyself，couldI？\"pleadedpoorPrue，whohadtumbledintothecradlewhentherainoforangesbegan。 Tillylaughed，andalltherestjoinedin，sogoodhumorwasrestored，andthespiritsoftheyoungeroneswererevivedbysucksfromtheoneorangewhichpassedfromhandtohandwithgreatrapiditywhiletheoldergirlsdishedupthedinner。 TheywerejuststrugglingtogetthepuddingoutoftheclothwhenRoxycalledout:\"Here\'sPa!\" \"There\'sfolkswithhim，\"addedRhody。 \"Lotsof\'em!Iseetwobigsleighschockfull，\"shoutedSeth，peeringthroughthedusk。 \"Itlookslikeasemintary。GuessGran\'ma\'sdeadandcomeuptobeburiedhere，\"saidSol，inasolemntone。ThisstartlingsuggestionmadeTilly，Prue，andEphhastentolookout，fullofdismayatsuchanendingoftheirfestival。 \"Ifthatisafuneral，themournersareuncommonlyjolly，\"saidEph，dryly，asmerryvoicesandloudlaughterbrokethewhitesilencewithout。 \"IseeAuntCinthy，andCousinHetty——andthere\'sMoseandAmos。Idodeclare，Pa\'sbringin\' \'emallhometohavesomefunhere，\"criedPrue，assherecognizedonefamiliarfaceafteranother。 \"Oh，mypatience! Ain\'tIgladIgotdinner，anddon\'tIhopeitwillturnoutgood!\"exclaimedTilly，whilethetwinsprancedwithdelight，andthesmallboysroared: \"HoorayforPa!HoorayforThanksgivin\'!\" Thecheerwasansweredheartily，andincameFather，Mother，Baby，aunts，andcousins，allingreatspirits；andallmuchsurprisedtofindsuchafestivewelcomeawaitingthem。 \"Ain\'tGran\'madeadatall？\"askedSol，inthemidstofthekissingandhandshaking。 \"Blessyourheart，no!ItwasallamistakeofoldMr。Chadwick\'s。He\'sasdeafasanadder，andwhenMrs。BrookstoldhimMotherwasmendin\'fast，andshewantedmetocomedowntoday，certainsure，hegotthemessageallwrong，andgiveittothefustpersonpassin\'insuchawayastoscareme\'mosttodeath，andsendusdowninahurry。Motherwassittin\'upaschirkasyouplease，anddreadfulsorryyoudidn\'tallcome。\" \"So，tokeepthehousequietforher，andgiveyouatasteofthefun，yourPafetchedusalluptospendtheevenin\'，andwearegoin\'tohaveajollytimeon\'t，tojedgebythelooksofthings，\"saidAuntCinthy，brisklyfinishingthetalewhenMrs。Bassettpausedforwantofbreath。 \"Whatintheworldputitintoyourheadwewascomm\'，andsetyoutogittin\'upsuchasupper？\" askedMr。Bassett，lookingabouthim，wellpleasedandmuchsurprisedattheplentifultable。 Tillymodestlybegantotell，buttheothersbrokeinandsangherpraisesinasortofchorus，inwhichbears，pigs，pies，andorangeswereoddlymixed。Greatsatisfactionwasexpressedbyall，andTillyandPrueweresoelatedbythecommendationofMaandtheaunts，thattheysetforththeirdinner，sureeverythingwasperfect。 Butwhentheeatingbegan，whichitdidthemomentwrapswereoff；thentheirpridegotafall； forthefirstpersonwhotastedthestuffing(itwasbigCousinMose，andthatmadeithardertobear)nearlychokedoverthebittermorsel。 \"TillyBassett，whatevermadeyouputwormwoodandcatnipinyourstuffin\'？\"demandedMa，tryingnottobesevere，foralltherestwerelaughing，andTillylookedreadytocry。 \"Ididit，\"saidPrue，noblytakingalltheblame，whichcausedPatokissheronthespot，anddeclarethatitdidn\'tdoamiteofharm，fortheturkeywasallright。 \"Ineverseeonionscookedbetter。Allthevegetablesiswelldone，andthedinneracredittoyou，mydears，\"declaredAuntCinthy，withhermouthfullofthefragrantvegetableshepraised。 Thepuddingwasanutterfailureinspiteoftheblazingbrandyinwhichitlay——ashardandheavyasoneofthestoneballsonSquireDunkin\'sgreatgate。Itwasspeedilywhiskedoutofsight，andallfelluponthepies，whichwereperfect。ButTillyandPrueweremuchdepressed，anddidn\'trecovertheirspiritstilldinnerwasoverandtheeveningfunwellunderway。 \"Blind-man\'sbluff，\" \"Hunttheslipper，\"\"Come，Philander，\"andotherlivelygamessoonseteveryonebubblingoverwithjollity，andwhenEphstruckup\"MoneyMusk\" onhisfiddle，oldandyoungfellintotheirplacesforadance。Alldownthelongkitchentheystood，Mr。andMrs。Bassettatthetop，thetwinsatthebottom，andthenawaytheywent，heelingandtoeing，cuttingpigeon-wings，andtakingtheirstepsinawaythatwouldconvulsemodernchildrenwiththeirnew-fangledrompscalleddancing。MoseandTillycoveredthemselveswithglorybythevigorwithwhichtheykeptitup，tillfatAuntCinthyfellintoachair，breathlesslydeclaringthataverylittleofsuchexercisewasenoughforawomanofher\"heft。\" Applesandcider，chatandsinging，finishedtheevening，andafteragrandkissingallround，theguestsdroveawayintheclearmoonlightwhichcameouttocheertheirlongdrive。 Whenthejingleofthelastbellhaddiedaway，Mr。Bassettsaidsoberly，astheystoodtogetheronthehearth: \"Children，wehavespecialcausetobethankfulthatthesorrowweexpectedwaschangedintojoy，sowe\'llreadachapter\'forewegotobed，andgivethankswherethanksisdue。\" ThenTillysetoutthelightstandwiththebigBibleonit，andacandleoneachside，andallsatquietlyinthefirelight，smilingastheylistenedwithhappyheartstothesweetoldwordsthatfitalltimesandseasonssobeautifully。 Whenthegood-nightswereover，andthechildreninbed，PrueputherarmroundTillyandwhisperedtenderly，forshefelthershake，andwassureshewascrying: \"Don\'tmindabouttheoldstuffin\'andpuddin\'，deary——nobodycared，andMasaidwereallydiddosurprisin\'wellforsuchyounggirls。\" ThelaughterTillywastryingtosmotherbrokeoutthen，andwassoinfectious，Pruecouldnothelpjoiningher，evenbeforesheknewthecauseofthemerriment。 \"Iwasmadaboutthemistakes，butdon\'tcareenoughtocry。I\'mlaughingtothinkhowGadfooledEphandIfoundhimout。IthoughtMoseandAmoswouldhavediedoverit，whenItoldthem，itwassofunny，\"explainedTilly，whenshegotherbreath。 \"Iwassoscaredthatwhenthefirstorangehitme，Ithoughtitwasabullet，andscrabbledintothecradleasfastasIcould。Itwasrealmeantofrightenthelittleonesso，\"laughedPrue，asTillygaveagrowl。 Hereasmartraponthewallofthenextroomcausedasuddenlullinthefun，andMrs。 Bassett\'svoicewasheard，sayingwarningly，\"Girls，gotosleepimmediate，oryou\'llwakethebaby。\" \"Yes\'m，\"answeredtwomeekvoices，andafterafewirrepressiblegiggles，silencereigned，brokenonlybyanoccasionalsnorefromtheboys，orthesoftscurryofmiceinthebuttery，takingtheirpartinthisold-fashionedThanksgiving。