and deposited in the back-kitchen. Then the rooms were hastily cleared
up and the long supper-table set out. I will not attempt a description
of that supper, and will only say that it met all my ideas of nicety,
added to profusion and plenty. The girls lent a willing hand in
assisting to clear away the tables after the supper was over; and then
the fun begun in right good earnest. Soon there was a call among the
younger part of the company for "Blind Mans' Buff." Grandma, who from
her quiet corner watched the scene of mirth with as much enjoyment
as the youngest present, was disposed to dispute the name, saying that
in her young days the game was known by the name of "Blind Harry," and
when the point was finally settled the game began, and was for some time
continued with unabated enjoyment. Aunt Lucinda even allowed herself to
be blinded and a very efficient blind woman did she prove, as many of
the youngsters could testify who endeavoured to escape from her vigorous
grasp. When the company became tired of this lively, but somewhat
laborious amusement it was quickly succeeded by others of an equally
lively character, which was continued for some two or three hours, and
it was not till the tall clock in the corner of the kitchen tolled the
hour of one that a move was made for the company to break up; and after
a somewhat lengthy search in the hall for countless shawls, veils,
gloves, and wrappers, each one was at last fortunate enough to find up
their own, and the merry company took their respective ways home beneath
the silver light of the full moon; and, half an hour later, sleep had
settled over the inmates of the old farm-house. Afterwards in giving a
description of the apple-paring bee to my mother, I allowed that it
surpassed in enjoyment any thing in which I had ever before participated.

CHAPTER XIII.

The winter glided quietly, and withal pleasantly, away at Uncle
Nathan's. To me it was a very busy season, being anxious to render
myself helpful to my kind relatives, who were doing so much for me. It
was some time before I could entirely overcome the feeling of distrust
and suspicion with which Aunt Lucinda was inclined to regard me; her
daily care for my comfort, and many real acts of kindness drew my
naturally affectionate heart toward her, and it grieved me much to fear
that she felt for me no affection; but Aunt Lucinda was not at all
demonstrative, and seldom gave expression to her real feelings, be