But Sophie did all the next day , being delightfully gay at the dinner , and devoting herself to the young minister who was invited to meet the distinguished novelist , and evidently being afraid of him , gladly basked in the smiles of his charming neighbor . A dashing sleigh-ride occupied the afternoon , and then great was the fun and excitement over the costumes . Aunt Plumy laughed till the tears rolled down her cheeks as the girls compressed her into the plum-colored gown with its short waist , leg-of-mutton sleeves , and narrow skirt . But a worked scarf hid all deficiencies , and the towering cap struck awe into the soul of the most frivolous observer . `` Keep an eye on me , girls , for I shall certainly split somewheres or lose my head-piece off when I 'm trottin ' round . What would my blessed mother say if she could see me rigged out in her best things ? '' and with a smile and a sigh the old lady departed to look after `` the boys , '' and see that the supper was all right . Three prettier damsels never tripped down the wide staircase than the brilliant brunette in crimson brocade , the pensive blonde in blue , or the rosy little bride in old muslin and white satin . A gallant court gentleman met them in the hall with a superb bow , and escorted them to the parlor , where Grandma Basset 's ghost was discovered dancing with a modern major in full uniform . Mutual admiration and many compliments followed , till other ancient ladies and gentlemen arrived in all manner of queer costumes , and the old house seemed to wake from its humdrum quietude to sudden music and merriment , as if a past generation had returned to keep its Christmas there . The village fiddler soon struck up the good old tunes , and then the strangers saw dancing that filled them with mingled mirth and envy ; it was so droll , yet so hearty . The young men , unusually awkward in their grandfathers ' knee-breeches , flapping vests , and swallow-tail coats , footed it bravely with the buxom girls who were the prettier for their quaintness , and danced with such vigor that their high combs stood awry , their furbelows waved wildly , and their cheeks were as red as their breast-knots , or hose . It was impossible to stand still , and one after the other the city folk yielded to the spell , Randal leading off with Ruth , Sophie swept away by Saul , and Emily being taken possession of by a young giant of eighteen , who spun her around with a boyish impetuosity that took her breath away . Even Aunt Plumy was discovered jigging it alone in the pantry , as if the music was too much for her , and the plates and glasses jingled gaily on the shelves in time to Money Musk and Fishers ' Hornpipe . A pause came at last , however , and fans fluttered , heated brows were wiped , jokes were made , lovers exchanged confidences , and every nook and corner held a man and maid carrying on the sweet game which is never out of fashion . There was a glitter of gold lace in the back entry , and a train of blue and primrose shone in the dim light . There was a richer crimson than that of the geraniums in the deep window , and a dainty shoe tapped the bare floor impatiently as the brilliant black eyes looked everywhere for the court gentleman , while their owner listened to the gruff prattle of an enamored boy . But in the upper hall walked a little white ghost as if waiting for some shadowy companion , and when a dark form appeared ran to take its arm , saying , in a tone of soft satisfaction , -- `` I was so afraid you would n't come ! '' `` Why did you leave me , Ruth ? '' answered a manly voice in a tone of surprise , though the small hand slipping from the velvet coat-sleeve was replaced as if it was pleasant to feel it there .
A pause , and then the other voice XXXXX demurely , -- `` Because I was afraid my head would be turned by the fine things you were saying . ''
answered came laughed listened rolled split stood swept tapped waved