It was real mean to frighten the little ones so , '' laughed Prue , as Tilly gave a growl . Here a smart rap on the wall of the next room caused a sudden lull in the fun , and Mrs. Bassett 's voice was heard , saying warningly , `` Girls , go to sleep immediate , or you 'll wake the baby . '' `` Yes 'm , '' answered two meek voices , and after a few irrepressible giggles , silence reigned , broken only by an occasional snore from the boys , or the soft scurry of mice in the buttery , taking their part in this old-fashioned Thanksgiving . II . HOW IT ALL HAPPENED . It was a small room , with nothing in it but a bed , two chairs , and a big chest . A few little gowns hung on the wall , and the only picture was the wintry sky , sparkling with stars , framed by the uncurtained window . But the moon , pausing to peep , saw something pretty and heard something pleasant . Two heads in little round nightcaps lay on one pillow , two pairs of wide-awake blue eyes stared up at the light , and two tongues were going like mill clappers . `` I 'm so glad we got our shirts done in time ! It seemed as if we never should , and I do n't think six cents is half enough for a great red flannel thing with four button-holes -- do you ? '' said one little voice , rather wearily . `` No ; but then we each made four , and fifty cents is a good deal of money . Are you sorry we did n't keep our quarters for ourselves ? '' asked the other voice , with an under-tone of regret in it . `` Yes , I am , till I think how pleased the children will be with our tree , for they do n't expect anything , and will be so surprised . I wish we had more toys to put on it , for it looks so small and mean with only three or four things . '' `` It wo n't hold any more , so I would n't worry about it . The toys are very red and yellow , and I guess the babies wo n't know how cheap they are , but like them as much as if they cost heaps of money . '' This was a cheery voice , and as it spoke the four blue eyes turned toward the chest under the window , and the kind moon did her best to light up the tiny tree standing there .
A very pitiful little tree it was -- only a branch of hemlock in an old flower-pot , propped up with bits of coal , and XXXXX with a few penny toys earned by the patient fingers of the elder sisters , that the little ones should not be disappointed .
broken guess hung keep light mean put snore stared worry