The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-11-24

nnsey woolsev garments OF homespun'
their hair concealed except for few
locks that wandered from beneath the
linen handkerchiefs with which 1t was pro
tected, the sleeves rolled TO the elbows, re
vealing arms that were fair 10 look upon
30 white were they and of such exquisite
roundness, were busy with the preparation
of n feast. and the natural tint Of their
cheeks, which was rs delicate as the peach
blossom. was heightened by reason Of the
beat that came from the cracking legs.
She who stood at the door Of the bake
oven hesitatcd moment and turned her
head slightly 20 one side, as though she
listened Then tossing her hand gently, as
though TO indicate that her ears had been
mised, perhaps by the wind without, she
opened the oven door and smiled as she
perceived the fragrant OdOr which came
from the cavern within. With broom
spiint she penetrated the crust which sur
mounted great pie that she might learn
whether thu baking was well done, and
then she turned to her companion and said:
"Twill be fine feast for Uncle John
when he returns today. Surely he said he
would be back by noon"
The maiden who had the spitted goose in
charge paused for moment in her task OF
amounting it with rich gravy and said:
Father will be here, | know, If the Lord
permits, but in these dark days that are
upon us, Abbie, who can tell what may
happen to our militia, parading here and
tramping there that they may observe the
redcoats Father had, | think, some seri-
Gus business which led the company away
last night and mayhap he will not cometo
sit at dinner with us Twill be sorry
feast for US if we must eat alone. How is
the pie"
otis nearly done, think, and such
pie we never made. IT'S full of giblets,
for you know that Uncle John delights to
eat them covered with the gravy Of the
dish"
For some moments the maidens con-
tinued these preparations, and then she
who was called Abbie went to the window,
and peering out for an instant turned and
opened the door, which creaked with
mighty means as it turned upon its rusty
hinges.
''What is it that You hear, Abbief" said
the other
at seems to me that hear the march of
the company, and still do not know but
tits the wind See, the snow has begun TO
fall little" The other maiden arose and
went TO the door, and SO they stood side by
side peering out far down the highway to
the turn of the road where il skirted the
Long Island sound. And such picture
did these fair maidens make as they stood
thus framed by the doorsil1 aud jamb as
would have delighted the eyes Of any Of
the young men of that town.
"'Tis true, Abbie, 'tis true. hear their
step, and surely that is Ephraim's fife"
Abbie returned TO the kitchen and made
preparation for the great table to receive
the bounty with which that day was to be
celebrated. while the other maid stood
awaiting the coming Of her father She
saw the company as it marched around
the bend in the road with her father at the
head, and she was going forth TO meet
them when Of sudden she halted. The
look of JOY upon her face was changed to
one Of wonderment, and she stood, her head
bent slightly forward. that she might the
better see perplexed and hesitating.