The storm kept on all night, and next morning the drifts were higher, the wind stronger, and the snow falling faster than ever. Through the day the children roved about the great house, amusing themselves as best they could; and, when evening came, they gathered around the fire again, eager for the promised story from grandmamma. "I've a little cold," said the old lady, "and am too hoarse for talking, my dears; but Aunt Elinor has looked up a parcel of old tales that I've told her at different times and which she has written down. You will like to hear her reading better than my dull way of telling them, and I can help Minnie and Lotty with their work, for I see they are bent on learning to spin." The young folk were well pleased with grandma's proposal; for Aunt Nell was a favorite with all, being lively and kind and fond of children, and the only maiden aunt in the family. Now, she smilingly produced a faded old portfolio, and, turning over a little pile of manuscripts, said in her pleasant way:-- "Here are all sorts, picked up in my travels at home and abroad; and in order to suit all of you, I have put the names on slips of paper into this basket, and each can draw one in turn. Does that please my distinguished audience?" "Yes, yes. Geoff's the oldest, let him draw first," cried the flock, fluttering like a flight of birds before they settle. "Girls come first," answered the boy, with a nod toward the eldest girl cousin. Lotty put in her hand and, after some fumbling, drew out a paper on which was written, "_Tabby's Table-cloth_." "Is that a good one?" she asked, for Geoff looked disappointed. "More fighting, though a girl is still the heroine," answered Aunt Nell, searching for the manuscript. "I think two revolutions will be enough for you, General," added grandmamma, laughing. "Do we beat in both?" asked the boy, brightening up at once. "Yes." "All right, then. I vote for 'Dolly's Dish-cloth,' or whatever it is; though I don't see what it can possibly have to do with war," he added. "Ah, my dear, women have their part to play as well as men at such times, and do it bravely, though one does not hear so much about their courage. I've often wished some one would collect all that can be found about these neglected heroines, and put it in a book for us to read, admire, and emulate when our turn comes." Grandma looked thoughtfully at the fire as she spoke, and Lotty said, with her eye on the portfolio: "Perhaps Aunt Nell will do it for us. Then history won't be so dry, and we can glorify our fore-mothers as well as fathers." "I'll see what I can find. Now spin away, Minnie, and sit still, boys,--if you can." Then, having settled grandma's foot-stool, and turned up the lamp, Aunt Nell read the tale of TABBY'S TABLE-CLOTH.