"Miss Elizabeth was no hand for
company. Some of the older people did the same, shut up the best rooms
lest they should get faded, or something scratched, or worn. And I
suppose he kept giving in; then there was his going in to college, and
that's a sort of man's life. I'm glad he has had something to stir him
up. He has been to several town-meetings. They are talking up
improvements. It's a fine thing to have so many vessels flying Salem
flags in different ports; nigh on to two hundred registered, husband
said. But I told him there ought to be some home interest as well. We
must not let Boston get so far ahead of us, nor forget the young people
are to be the next generation."

"And young people want some pleasure. I do not see how they stood so
much of the gloomy side twenty years ago. I was that surprised when I
first came here."

"Well, there had been a good many things, and all that witchcraft
business. Puritan ways grew sterner and sterner. I can't say that people
were really the better for it, in my way of thinking, and the Saviour
talked a good deal about loving and helping people. He didn't stop to
make them subscribe to all sorts of hard things before he worked a
miracle. But we were going to talk about the tea."

"Yes; about what time now? I want Cynthia to have it just right and
proper;" laughing.

"They come--we'll say about four. They will want to run around and see
things, and I'd have supper about five and they'll sit over it, and
talk, and laugh. Suppose I send my 'Mimy over to pass things and wait.
You would not want Miss Eunice to do it, and you will have other things
on your hands."

"Oh, thank you. You are very kind about it."

"Well, I've had a girl to grow up and be married, and Polly's to leave
school this summer, and next winter she will be setting up for a young
lady. Little cookies and spicenuts are nice and two kinds of cake. You
never give them real tea, you know, though it's called a tea party. And
some cold chicken, or sliced ham. I'd spread the plates of bread, it's
so much less trouble. They'll be sure to enjoy everything. A lot of
girls always do have a good time."

CHAPTER XIII

A TASTE OF PLEASURE

Cynthia was full of joy, running down to the gate to meet and greet
guests. They came in groups of twos and threes, having called for each
other. There were fifteen in all--the girls she knew best, who were
nearest her own age, and at most of the houses she had been made