of "Robinson Crusoe" "Aesop's
Fables," "Pilgrim's Progress," etc., etc. Above this shelf a clock,
battered yet adequate. A bearskin rug on the floor. The whole scene is
homely, peaceful, intimate.

The embers on the hearth give out a dull glow which leaves the room in
semi-darkness, yet lights up several objects by the hearthstone--
namely, a heap of pine cones, some dried spice-wood bushes, a rude
corn-popper, a snow-shovel, and a neatly-mended tongs.

In the frosty out-of-doors the wind blows gustily from time to time.
Otherwise the room is quite still, save for the ticking of the clock,
which points to half-past seven. For a moment after the curtain's rise
the stage is deserted. Then come two brisk knocks at the door, and it
is opened from without by Polly Prentice, who first thrusts in her
head, looks about, and then crosses the threshold, speaking back over
her shoulder to Amy Roby and Tom Bush. Polly wears a scarlet cloak, and
her cheeks are as red as apples. All carry lanterns.

POLLY.
There's no one home. Wherever can Nancy be? She said if she wasn't here
we were to wait for her. Come in, Amy, and you, too, Tom Bush, and be
careful to close the door. (All enter.) The fire is nearly spent. B-
rrrrrr! It's a cold night for this time of year. My fingers are
tingling. That's right, Tom, put on some spice bushes for a blaze. I'll
put my lantern over here by yours, Amy. What time is it?

AMY.
Half-past seven. I wish that Nancy would hurry. The corn-husking begins
at eight, and we are to call for Jason Brown and Lucy before we start.

TOM
(warming his hands).
Yes, and come back here to have Abe go with us. He's been out in the
woods all day, swinging that ax of his. I could hear him down by the
spring.

POLLY.
There's his supper set out for him--corn-dodgers and molasses.

AMY
(primly).
Polly, it isn't nice to look at things in other people's houses!

POLLY
(saucily).
You looked at the clock only a minute ago, and I'm sure Abe's supper is
as easily seen as the clock is! Easier, too, if you happen to be
glancing that way. I wish that Nancy would hurry!

TOM
(as they seat themselves about fire).
And I wish that Abe would hurry. He must be trying for luck.

POLLY.
Luck?

TOM.
Yes, you know they say that rails split by moonlight bring folks good
fortune. Not that Abe needs good fortune--he's lucky at everything he
puts his hand to. He can shoulder an ax and swing it better than any
one I ever saw,