The great oaken table was placed in the middle of the hall, and benches and forms were brought to accommodate the guests. The hall itself was decked with green boughs, and a sheaf of wheat was suspended over the table. A barrel of ale was tapped, and a noble batch of harvest cakes baked; and the gardener brought in a great basket full of apples and plums, to entertain the good folks after supper.
Mary and Kate were highly interested in the preparations for the approaching festival. Mrs. Harrison, taking each of the little girls by the hand, went from place to place, giving orders to the maids, and seeing that her commands were executed; she then proceeded to make the plum-puddings and apple-pies, Mary and Kate seating themselves by her side and attentively looking on.
Presently the butcher knocked at the kitchen door, and Mary's admiration was excited on seeing the enormous pieces of beef and suet which he took out of his basket.
"Mrs. Harrison," she exclaimed, "how is all that meat to be eaten?"
"I warrant you, my dear, there will not be a vast deal too much."
And in a few minutes a great fire was made, the plum-puddings were put into the copper, and two great pieces of beef laid down to roast.
Towards the evening Mrs. Harrison put on her green lute-string gown (which was never worn but on great occasions), her very best cap, and worked-muslin apron, and the maid-servants decked themselves out in their holiday-gowns.
A shout of "The last load! huzzah! here comes the last load!" brought the children to the window. They saw the last load of wheat coming home, crowned with green boughs, and followed by men, women and children, some before and some behind, shouting joyfully as they advanced.
The little Dormers were in as high spirits as any of them; and William and Lewis rushed out to see it unloaded.
Mrs. Harrison hurried forwards with a large basket full of harvest cakes, just hot from the oven, followed by one of the maids with a stone pitcher of ale, to regale the harvest-men as soon as the waggon was unloaded. The men with their wives and children then went home to dress.