He did it on purpose , just to please you , Sophie , '' cried Ruth presently , and the girls ran to the window to behold Randal bravely following his host with a pail of pigs ' food in each hand , and an expression of resigned disgust upon his aristocratic face . `` To what base uses may we come , '' quoted Emily , as they all nodded and smiled upon the victim as he looked back from the barn-yard , where he was clamorously welcomed by his new charges . `` It is rather a shock at first , but it will do him good , and Saul wo n't be too hard upon him , I 'm sure , '' said Sophie , going back to her work , while Ruth turned her best buds to the sun that they might be ready for a peace-offering to-morrow . There was a merry clatter in the big kitchen for an hour ; then Aunt Plumy and her daughter shut themselves up in the pantry to perform some culinary rites , and the young ladies went to inspect certain antique costumes laid forth in Sophie 's room . `` You see , Em , I thought it would be appropriate to the house and season to have an old-fashioned dance . Aunt has quantities of ancient finery stowed away , for great-grandfather Basset was a fine old gentleman and his family lived in state . Take your choice of the crimson , blue or silver-gray damask . Ruth is to wear the worked muslin and quilted white satin skirt , with that coquettish hat . '' `` Being dark , I 'll take the red and trim it up with this fine lace . You must wear the blue and primrose , with the distracting high-heeled shoes . Have you any suits for the men ? '' asked Emily , throwing herself at once into the all-absorbing matter of costume . `` A claret velvet coat and vest , silk stockings , cocked hat and snuff-box for Randal . Nothing large enough for Saul , so he must wear his uniform . Wo n't Aunt Plumy be superb in this plum-colored satin and immense cap ? '' A delightful morning was spent in adapting the faded finery of the past to the blooming beauty of the present , and time and tongues flew till the toot of a horn called them down to dinner . The girls were amazed to see Randal come whistling up the road with his trousers tucked into his boots , blue mittens on his hands , and an unusual amount of energy in his whole figure , as he drove the oxen , while Saul laughed at his vain attempts to guide the bewildered beasts . `` It 's immense ! The view from the hill is well worth seeing , for the snow glorifies the landscape and reminds one of Switzerland . I 'm going to make a sketch of it this afternoon ; better come and enjoy the delicious freshness , young ladies . ''
XXXXX was eating with such an appetite that he did not see the glances the girls exchanged as they promised to go .
Randal Ruth Sophie Switzerland barn-yard damask first hour muslin primrose