I was going back to strict eastern economy for the rest of my days , and I meant to indulge in one wild , blissful riot of extravagance before I was cooped up again . I counted up the boys I must have , and there were fifteen , including the minister . I invited them a fortnight ahead to make sure of getting them , though I need n't have worried , for they all said they would have broken an engagement to dine with the king for one of my dinners . The minister said he had been feeling so homesick he was afraid he would n't be able to preach a real thankful sermon , but now he was comfortably sure that his sermon would be overflowing with gratitude . I just threw myself heart and soul into the preparations for that dinner . I had three turkeys and two sucking pigs , and mince pies and pumpkin pies and apple pies , and doughnuts and fruit cake and cranberry sauce and brown bread , and ever so many other things to fill up the chinks . The night before Thanksgiving everything was ready , and I was so tired I could hardly talk to Jimmy Nelson when he dropped in . Jimmy had something on his mind , I saw that . So I said , '' ` Fess up , Jimmy , and then you 'll be able to enjoy your call . '' `` I want to ask a favour of you , Aunt Patty , '' said Jimmy . I knew I should have to grant it ; nobody could refuse Jimmy anything , he looked so much like a nice , clean , pink-and-white little schoolboy whose mother had just scrubbed his face and told him to be good . At the same time he was one of the wildest young scamps in Carleton , or had been until a year ago . I 'd got him well set on the road to reformation , and I felt worse about leaving him than any of the rest of them . I knew he was just at the critical point . With somebody to tide him over the next half year he 'd probably go straight for the rest of his life , but if he were left to himself he 'd likely just slip back to his old set and ways . `` I want you to let me bring my Uncle Joe to dinner tomorrow , '' said Jimmy . `` The poor old fellow is stranded here for Thanksgiving , and he hates hotels . May I ? '' `` Of course , '' I said heartily , wondering why Jimmy seemed to think I might n't want his Uncle Joe . `` Bring him right along . ''
`` Thanks , '' said XXXXX .
Carleton Jimmy Nelson Patty cranberry days fortnight left right year