The big kitchen was a jolly place just now , for in the great fireplace roared a cheerful fire ; on the walls hung garlands of dried apples , onions , and corn ; up aloft from the beams shone crook-necked squashes , juicy hams , and dried venison -- for in those days deer still haunted the deep forests , and hunters flourished . Savory smells were in the air ; on the crane hung steaming kettles , and down among the red embers copper sauce-pans simmered , all suggestive of some approaching feast . A white-headed baby lay in the old blue cradle that had rocked seven other babies , now and then lifting his head to look out , like a round , full moon , then subsided to kick and crow contentedly , and suck the rosy apple he had no teeth to bite . Two small boys sat on the wooden settle shelling corn for popping , and picking out the biggest nuts from the goodly store their own hands had gathered in October . Four young girls stood at the long dresser , busily chopping meat , pounding spice , and slicing apples ; and the tongues of Tilly , Prue , Roxy , and Rhody went as fast as their hands . Farmer Bassett , and Eph , the oldest boy , were `` chorin ' ` round '' outside , for Thanksgiving was at hand , and all must be in order for that time-honored day . To and fro , from table to hearth , bustled buxom Mrs. Bassett , flushed and floury , but busy and blithe as the queen bee of this busy little hive should be . `` I do like to begin seasonable and have things to my mind . Thanksgivin ' dinners ca n't be drove , and it does take a sight of victuals to fill all these hungry stomicks , '' said the good woman , as she gave a vigorous stir to the great kettle of cider apple-sauce , and cast a glance of housewifely pride at the fine array of pies set forth on the buttery shelves . `` Only one more day and then it will be time to eat . I did n't take but one bowl of hasty pudding this morning , so I shall have plenty of room when the nice things come , '' confided Seth to Sol , as he cracked a large hazel-nut as easily as a squirrel . `` No need of my starvin ' beforehand . I always have room enough , and I 'd like to have Thanksgiving every day , '' answered Solomon , gloating like a young ogre over the little pig that lay near by , ready for roasting . `` Sakes alive , I do n't , boys ! It 's a marcy it do n't come but once a year . I should be worn to a thread-paper with all this extra work atop of my winter weavin ' and spinnin ' , '' laughed their mother , as she plunged her plump arms into the long bread-trough and began to knead the dough as if a famine was at hand . Tilly , the oldest girl , a red-cheeked , black-eyed lass of fourteen , was grinding briskly at the mortar , for spices were costly , and not a grain must be wasted . Prue kept time with the chopper , and the twins sliced away at the apples till their little brown arms ached , for all knew how to work , and did so now with a will . `` I think it 's real fun to have Thanksgiving at home . I 'm sorry Gran ` ma is sick , so we ca n't go there as usual , but I like to mess ` round here , do n't you , girls ? ''
asked XXXXX , pausing to take a sniff at the spicy pestle .
Bassett Prue Rhody Roxy Tilly bread-trough fire kettles starvin weavin