`` So , to keep the house quiet for her , and give you a taste of the fun , your Pa fetched us all up to spend the evenin ' , and we are goin ' to have a jolly time o n't , to jedge by the looks of things , '' said Aunt Cinthy , briskly finishing the tale when Mrs. Bassett paused for want of breath . `` What in the world put it into your head we was comin ' , and set you to gettin ' up such a supper ? '' asked Mr. Bassett , looking about him , well pleased and much surprised at the plentiful table . Tilly modestly began to tell , but the others broke in and sang her praises in a sort of chorus , in which bears , pigs , pies , and oranges were oddly mixed . Great satisfaction was expressed by all , and Tilly and Prue were so elated by the commendation of Ma and the aunts , that they set forth their dinner , sure everything was perfect . But when the eating began , which it did the moment wraps were off , then their pride got a fall ; for the first person who tasted the stuffing -LRB- it was big Cousin Mose , and that made it harder to bear -RRB- nearly choked over the bitter morsel . `` Tilly Bassett , whatever made you put wormwood and catnip in your stuffin ' ? '' demanded Ma , trying not to be severe , for all the rest were laughing , and Tilly looked ready to cry . `` I did it , '' said Prue , nobly taking all the blame , which caused Pa to kiss her on the spot , and declare that it did n't do a might of harm , for the turkey was all right . `` I never see onions cooked better . All the vegetables is well done , and the dinner a credit to you , my dears , '' declared Aunt Cinthy , with her mouth full of the fragrant vegetable she praised . The pudding was an utter failure , in spite of the blazing brandy in which it lay -- as hard and heavy as one of the stone balls on Squire Dunkin 's great gate . It was speedily whisked out of sight , and all fell upon the pies , which were perfect . But Tilly and Prue were much depressed , and did n't recover their spirits till the dinner was over and the evening fun well under way . `` Blind-man 's buff , '' `` Hunt the slipper , '' `` Come , Philander , '' and other lively games soon set every one bubbling over with jollity , and when Eph struck up `` Money Musk '' on his fiddle , old and young fell into their places for a dance . All down the long kitchen they stood , Mr. and Mrs. Bassett at the top , the twins at the bottom , and then away they went , heeling and toeing , cutting pigeon-wings , and taking their steps in a way that would convulse modern children with their new-fangled romps called dancing . Mose and Tilly covered themselves with glory by the vigor with which they kept it up , till fat Aunt Cinthy fell into a chair , breathlessly declaring that a very little of such exercise was enough for a woman of her `` heft . '' Apples and cider , chat and singing , finished the evening , and after a grand kissing all round , the guests drove away in the clear moonlight which came just in time to cheer their long drive . When the jingle of the last bell had died away , Mr. Bassett said soberly , as they stood together on the hearth : `` Children , we have special cause to be thankful that the sorrow we expected was changed into joy , so we 'll read a chapter ` fore we go to bed , and give thanks where thanks is due . '' Then Tilly set out the light-stand with the big Bible on it , and a candle on each side , and all sat quietly in the fire-light , smiling as they listened with happy hearts to the sweet old words that fit all times and seasons so beautifully .
When the good-nights were over , and the children in bed , Prue put her arm around Tilly and whispered tenderly , for she felt her shake , and was sure she was crying : `` Do n't mind about the old XXXXX ' and puddin ' , deary -- nobody cared , and Ma said we really did do surprisin ' well for such young girls . ''
Dunkin Philander Prue Tilly catnip dears evenin light-stand pudding stuffin