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. Bassett presently , as she rounded off the last loaf of brown bread which was to feed the hungry mouths that seldom tasted any other . `` Here 's a man comin ' up the hill , lively ! '' `` Guess it 's Gad Hopkins . Pa told him to bring a dezzen oranges , if they war n't too high ! '' shouted Sol and Seth , running to the door , while the girls smacked their lips at the thought of this rare treat , and Baby threw his apple overboard , as if getting ready for a new cargo . But all were doomed to disappointment , for it was not Gad , with the much-desired fruit . It was a stranger , who threw himself off his horse and hurried up to Mr. Bassett in the yard , with some brief message that made the farmer drop his ax and look so sober that his wife guessed at once some bad news had come ; and crying , `` Mother 's wuss ! I know she is ! '' out ran the good woman , forgetful of the flour on her arms and the oven waiting for its most important batch .
The man said old Mr. Chadwick , down to Keene , stopped him as he passed , and told him to tell Mrs. XXXXX her mother was failin ' fast , and she 'd better come to-day .
Baby Bassett Gad Mother Prue Seth marcy war weavin year