When the jingle of the last bell had died away , Mr. Bassett said soberly , as they stood together on the hearth : `` Children , we have special cause to be thankful that the sorrow we expected was changed into joy , so we 'll read a chapter ` fore we go to bed , and give thanks where thanks is due . '' Then Tilly set out the light-stand with the big Bible on it , and a candle on each side , and all sat quietly in the fire-light , smiling as they listened with happy hearts to the sweet old words that fit all times and seasons so beautifully . When the good-nights were over , and the children in bed , Prue put her arm around Tilly and whispered tenderly , for she felt her shake , and was sure she was crying : `` Do n't mind about the old stuffin ' and puddin ' , deary -- nobody cared , and Ma said we really did do surprisin ' well for such young girls . '' The laughter Tilly was trying to smother broke out then , and was so infectious , Prue could not help joining her , even before she knew the cause of the merriment . `` I was mad about the mistakes , but do n't care enough to cry . I 'm laughing to think how Gad fooled Eph and I found him out . I thought Mose and Amos would have died over it when I told them , it was so funny , '' explained Tilly , when she got her breath . `` I was so scared that when the first orange hit me , I thought it was a bullet , and scrabbled into the cradle as fast as I could . It was real mean to frighten the little ones so , '' laughed Prue , as Tilly gave a growl . Here a smart rap on the wall of the next room caused a sudden lull in the fun , and Mrs. Bassett 's voice was heard , saying warningly , `` Girls , go to sleep immediate , or you 'll wake the baby . '' `` Yes 'm , '' answered two meek voices , and after a few irrepressible giggles , silence reigned , broken only by an occasional snore from the boys , or the soft scurry of mice in the buttery , taking their part in this old-fashioned Thanksgiving . II . HOW IT ALL HAPPENED . It was a small room , with nothing in it but a bed , two chairs , and a big chest . A few little gowns hung on the wall , and the only picture was the wintry sky , sparkling with stars , framed by the uncurtained window . But the moon , pausing to peep , saw something pretty and heard something pleasant . Two heads in little round nightcaps lay on one pillow , two pairs of wide-awake blue eyes stared up at the light , and two tongues were going like mill clappers . `` I 'm so glad we got our shirts done in time ! It seemed as if we never should , and I do n't think six cents is half enough for a great red flannel thing with four button-holes -- do you ? '' said one little voice , rather wearily .
`` No ; but then we each made four , and fifty XXXXX is a good deal of money .
Eph II Ma Prue Tilly button-holes cents fire-light good-nights puddin