When the moon-faced clock behind the door struck nine , Tilly tucked up the children under the `` extry comfortables , '' and having kissed them all around , as Mother did , crept into her own nest , never minding the little drifts of snow that sifted in upon her coverlet between the shingles of the roof , nor the storm that raged without . As if he felt the need of unusual vigilance , old Bose lay down on the mat before the door , and pussy had the warm hearth all to herself . If any late wanderer had looked in at midnight , he would have seen the fire blazing up again , and in the cheerful glow the old cat blinking her yellow eyes , as she sat bolt upright beside the spinning-wheel , like some sort of household goblin , guarding the children while they slept . When they woke , like early birds , it still snowed , but up the little Bassetts jumped , broke the ice in their pitchers , and went down with cheeks glowing like winter apples , after a brisk scrub and scramble into their clothes . Eph was off to the barn , and Tilly soon had a great kettle of mush ready , which , with milk warm from the cows , made a wholesome breakfast for the seven hearty children . `` Now about dinner , '' said the young housekeeper , as the pewter spoons stopped clattering , and the earthen bowls stood empty . `` Ma said , have what we liked , but she did n't expect us to have a real Thanksgiving dinner , because she wo n't be here to cook it , and we do n't know how , '' began Prue , doubtfully . `` I can roast a turkey and make a pudding as well as anybody , I guess . The pies are all ready , and if we ca n't boil vegetables and so on , we do n't deserve any dinner , '' cried Tilly , burning to distinguish herself , and bound to enjoy to the utmost her brief authority . `` Yes , yes ! '' cried all the boys , `` let 's have a dinner anyway ; Ma wo n't care , and the good victuals will spoil if they ai n't eaten right up . '' `` Pa is coming to-night , so we wo n't have dinner till late ; that will be real genteel and give us plenty of time , '' added Tilly , suddenly realizing the novelty of the task she had undertaken . `` Did you ever roast a turkey ? '' asked Roxy , with an air of deep interest . `` Should you darst to try ? '' said Rhody , in an awe-stricken tone . `` You will see what I can do . Ma said I was to use my jedgment about things , and I 'm going to . All you children have got to do is to keep out of the way , and let Prue and me work . Eph , I wish you 'd put a fire in the best room , so the little ones can play in there .
We shall want the settin ' - room for the table , and I wo n't have 'em pickin ' ` round when we get things fixed , '' commanded XXXXX , bound to make her short reign a brilliant one .
Bassetts Bose Eph Tilly comfortables fire goblin pudding right storm