Page:The New-Year's Bargain (1884).djvu/209

 "So the programme was suddenly changed. Instead of making a figure on the table, Massachusetts came to the table, and was one of the company. Tied to Pop's chair, he was regaled with all sorts of choice morsels. The family dined on salt pork and venison, with cranberry sauce and pumpkin porridge; but, though the fare was rather queer, few happier dinners were eaten that day anywhere. Even Mrs. Fiske came out of her clouds, and was jolly. As for 'Chusey,' he gobbled and clucked and chuckled, enjoyed the jokes as much as any one, and seemed to enter fully into the spirit of the occasion."

"How nice that was!" said warm-hearted Thekla, as November ended. "I love the children for not eating Chusey."

"So do I," replied November, heartily; "and this year I mean they shall have something very nice. It's getting to be a little less frontier-like out there, and I think I see my way."

"Oh, tell us what!" cried Max.