The pudding was an utter failure , in spite of the blazing brandy in which it lay -- as hard and heavy as one of the stone balls on Squire Dunkin 's great gate . It was speedily whisked out of sight , and all fell upon the pies , which were perfect . But Tilly and Prue were much depressed , and did n't recover their spirits till the dinner was over and the evening fun well under way . `` Blind-man 's buff , '' `` Hunt the slipper , '' `` Come , Philander , '' and other lively games soon set every one bubbling over with jollity , and when Eph struck up `` Money Musk '' on his fiddle , old and young fell into their places for a dance . All down the long kitchen they stood , Mr. and Mrs. Bassett at the top , the twins at the bottom , and then away they went , heeling and toeing , cutting pigeon-wings , and taking their steps in a way that would convulse modern children with their new-fangled romps called dancing . Mose and Tilly covered themselves with glory by the vigor with which they kept it up , till fat Aunt Cinthy fell into a chair , breathlessly declaring that a very little of such exercise was enough for a woman of her `` heft . '' Apples and cider , chat and singing , finished the evening , and after a grand kissing all round , the guests drove away in the clear moonlight which came just in time to cheer their long drive . 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 XXXXX , two chairs , and a big chest .
Girls Hunt Money Thanksgiving bed breath dancing fiddle fore times