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；
forthefirstpersonwhotastedthestuffingitwasbigCousinMose，andthatmadeithardertobearnearlychokedoverthebittermorsel。
\"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。