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 Tilly , pausing to take a sniff at the spicy pestle . `` It will be kind of lonesome with only our own folks . '' `` I like to see all the cousins and aunts , and have games , and sing , '' cried the twins , who were regular little romps , and could run , swim , coast and shout as well as their brothers . `` I do n't care a mite for all that . It will be so nice to eat dinner together , warm and comfortable at home , '' said quiet Prue , who loved her own cozy nooks like a cat .
`` Come , girls , fly ` round and get your chores done , so we can clear away for dinner jest as soon as I clap my bread into the oven , '' called Mrs. XXXXX presently , as she rounded off the last loaf of brown bread which was to feed the hungry mouths that seldom tasted any other .
Bassett Prue Solomon bread-trough chorin day marcy morning spinnin year