Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XV. THANKSGIVING DAY. "Good-by, mother--it's too bad you aint going. I hate to leave you all alone." "Hadn't you better come, Miss Gilman? the sleigh can hold just as many as we can pile in, and my wife don't stint her oven Thanksgiving Day," urged the Deacon, standing up in the huge box-sleigh, and tucking the buffalo robe around Mrs. Chase, who was on the front seat with him. "Now, I know you haven't got nothing to keep you," said the good woman, seconding her husband's invitation. "Do, mother!"--called out Abby again, from between Ben and Julia Chase, and Hannah's eyes looked "do mother," though Ben had almost smothered her in the blue and white coverlet, which came to their share. "Two turkies," said Ben, " real fine, fat fellows." "And whole oceans of mince and punkin pies, I helped to make 'em, didn't I, mother?" added Julia, proud of her first great attempt in the kitchen department; "besides, the biggest plum pudding!" Mrs. Gilman only shook her head, and pulled her black hood close over her face, as she went down the hill from the meeting-house. She was afraid to speak, for fear her voice would tremble with the tears she could hardly keep down. It had been a hard day to her, one of the hardest in her life, for she knew she ought to join in the thanksgiving; and, look whichever way she could, only her troubles came up to her. The very name of the anniversary, so full of associations to her, --the hymns of the morning service, the minister's text--0 give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endureth for ever! had made her sad instead of rejoicing. When she came out with the congregation, families that she had known all her lifetime, all looking so happy, a feeling nearer to envy of their prosperity, and...