The old harper's gratitude was unbounded; the ſummer after he walked to viſit me; and ever ſince he has contrived to come every year to enliven our harveſt-home. This evening it is to be celebrated.
The evening came; the joyous party footed it away merrily, and the ſound of their ſhoes was heard on the barn-floor. It was not the light fantaſtic toe, that faſhion taught to move, but honeſt heart-felt mirth, and the loud laugh, if it ſpoke the vacant head, ſaid audibly that the heart was guileleſs.
Mrs. Maſon always gave them ſome trifling preſents at this time, to render the approach of winter more comfortable. To the men, ſhe generally preſented warm clothing, and to the women flax and worſted for knitting and ſpinning; and thoſe who were the moſt induſtrious received a reward when the new year commenced. The children had books given to them, and little ornaments.—All were anxious for the day; and received their old acquaintance, the harper, with the moſt cordial ſmiles.
