"And now I'll tell you," said Jacob, after saying grace, "why I asked
you for a feast this day. It is because exactly on this day
twelvemonth I brought you all to the cottage. Now you know."
"I did not know it, certainly, but I dare say you are right," replied
Edward.
"And now, children, tell me," said Jacob, "has not this year passed
very quickly and very happily--quite as quickly and quite as happily
as if you had been staying at Arnwood?"
"Yes, more so," replied Humphrey; "for then very often I did not know
what to do to amuse myself, and since I have been here the days have
always been too short."
"I agree with Humphrey," said Edward.
"And I am sure I do," replied Alice; "I'm always busy and always
happy, and I'm never scolded about dirtying my clothes or tearing
them, as I used to be."
"And what does little Edith say?"
"I like to help Alice, and I like to play with the kitten," replied
Edith.
"Well, my children" said Jacob, "depend upon it, you are most happy
when your days pass quickest, and that is only the case when you have
plenty to do. Here you are in peace and safety; and may it please God
that you may continue so! We want very few things in this world--that
is, we really want very few things, although we wish and sigh for
many.
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