[Illustration: Walter Sliding With Carrie and Jessie. Page 227.]
Merrily jingled the dancing bells, swiftly trotted the lively horses, smoothly glided the steel-shod sleigh over the snowy pathway, passing houses, barns, and fields, as Guy said, with the speed almost of a steam-engine. On they went, mile after mile, drinking in health and spirits from the pure winter air and tasting that real enjoyment which is found in innocent pleasures only. No wicked amusement ever did or ever can yield such delight as Jessie and her friends tasted on that sleigh ride.
It was quite dark when they reached home again. They were a little chilled with their ride, but the glowing fire which burned so cheerfully in the parlor grate, soon restored them to warmth and comfort. The tea-table was made cheerful by Jessie's account of the sports and pleasures of the afternoon.
After tea Jessie took Guy into the kitchen, and taking the watch-pocket from beneath her apron, said--
"Guy, I want you to go with me into Uncle Morris's chamber, and help me fix a hook to hang this watch-pocket on. I want to give uncle a surprise."
Guy gave his consent. Going to the nail-box he selected a small brass hook, with a screw at the end, and a gimlet. Then taking a light, he went up-stairs with his sister. Jessie pointed to the spot, over his bed, which she thought the best place for the hook. Guy bored the hole, screwed in the hook, and hung the pocket by its loop of braid upon it. Jessie clapped her hands, and said--
"Isn't it pretty! Won't Uncle Morris be pleased! My _quilt_ covers his bed. The _slippers_ I made him are under his chair, and now my _watch-pocket_ hangs over his bedstead. I'll get his chair-cushion done next, and then I guess he will allow that I'm fit to be an officer in your Try Company. Ha! Ha! Ha!"
The next morning was mild and clear. A bright sun shone gloriously forth, and aided by light airs from the south, softened the snow and made every thing, but the walking, as pleasant as nature ever is on a December day. It was thanksgiving day, too--thanksgiving was appointed in December that year--and all the inmates of Glen Morris arose in high spirits, expecting to spend that festal day in calm and quiet enjoyment.