Invisible hands paint our faults and virtues , and by-and-bye we have to see them , so we must be careful that they are good and lovely , and we are not ashamed to let the eyes that love us best read there the history of our lives . ' As Aunt Pen spoke , and Patty listened with a thoughtful face , mamma softly drew the pictured coverlet over her , and whispered , as she held her little daughter close -- ` My Patty will remember this ; and if all her years tell as good a story as this month , I shall not fear to read the record , and she will be in truth my little comforter . ' -LRB- FOR SECOND SERIES , SEE ` SHAWL-STRAPS . ' -RRB- I . AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING . Sixty years ago , up among the New Hampshire hills , lived Farmer Bassett , with a house full of sturdy sons and daughters growing up about him . They were poor in money , but rich in land and love , for the wide acres of wood , corn , and pasture land fed , warmed , and clothed the flock , while mutual patience , affection , and courage made the old farm-house a very happy home . November had come ; the crops were in , and barn , buttery , and bin were overflowing with the harvest that rewarded the summer 's hard work . The big kitchen was a jolly place just now , for in the great fireplace roared a cheerful fire ; on the walls hung garlands of dried apples , onions , and corn ; up aloft from the beams shone crook-necked squashes , juicy hams , and dried venison -- for in those days deer still haunted the deep forests , and hunters flourished . Savory smells were in the air ; on the crane hung steaming kettles , and down among the red embers copper sauce-pans simmered , all suggestive of some approaching feast . A white-headed baby lay in the old blue cradle that had rocked seven other babies , now and then lifting his head to look out , like a round , full moon , then subsided to kick and crow contentedly , and suck the rosy apple he had no teeth to bite . Two small boys sat on the wooden settle shelling corn for popping , and picking out the biggest nuts from the goodly store their own hands had gathered in October . Four young girls stood at the long dresser , busily chopping meat , pounding spice , and slicing apples ; and the tongues of Tilly , Prue , Roxy , and Rhody went as fast as their hands . 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 XXXXX , '' answered Solomon , gloating like a young ogre over the little pig that lay near by , ready for roasting .
SECOND Sol Tilly by-and-bye day days fire fro garlands morning