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。