They were just struggling to get the pudding out of the cloth when Roxy called out , `` Here 's Pa ! '' `` There 's folks with him , '' added Rhody . `` Lots of 'em ! I see two big sleighs chock full , '' shouted Seth , peering through the dusk . `` It looks like a semintary . Guess Gramma 's dead and come up to be buried here , '' said Sol in a solemn tone . This startling suggestion made Tilly , Prue , and Eph hasten to look out , full of dismay at such an ending of their festival . `` If that is a funeral , the mourners are uncommon jolly , '' said Eph , drily , as merry voices and loud laughter broke the white silence without . `` I see Aunt Cinthy , and Cousin Hetty -- and there 's Mose and Amos . I do declare , Pa 's bringin ' 'em all home to have some fun here , '' cried Prue , as she recognized one familiar face after another . `` Oh , my patience ! Ai n't I glad I got dinner , and do n't I hope it will turn out good ! '' exclaimed Tilly , while the twins pranced with delight , and the small boys roared : `` Hooray for Pa ! Hooray for Thanksgivin ' ! '' The cheer was answered heartily , and in came Father , Mother , Baby , aunts and cousins , all in great spirits , and all much surprised to find such a festive welcome awaiting them . `` Ai n't Gran ` ma dead at all ? '' asked Sol , in the midst of the kissing and hand-shaking . `` Bless your heart , no ! It was all a mistake of old Mr. Chadwick 's . He 's as deaf as an adder , and when Mrs. Brooks told him Mother was mendin ' fast , and she wanted me to come down to-day , certain sure , he got the message all wrong , and give it to the fust person passin ' in such a way as to scare me ` most to death , and send us down in a hurry .
Mother was sittin ' up as chirk as you please , and dreadful sorry you did n't all XXXXX . ''
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