And how the young folk did enjoy themselves that night! What shouting and laughter there was, what a jingling of the piano, what hiding in corners, what romping on the stair case! And the round games, and the charades, and the family posts! Oh dear me, I'm an old watch, and I've gone through a good many noisy scenes, but I never remember such a racket as this.
And how the young folk besieged the elder and compelled them to join in the fun.

There was papa down on his hands and knees with half-a-dozen youngsters on his back.

And there was Uncle Joseph performing tricks of conjuring before a select audience; and Mr Drift telling stories to another; and as for the reverend Uncle Jim, he was made blind man, and had his long coat-tails pulled; and, strange to say, he never caught anybody all the time.

And then the supper! who shall describe that?
the clattering of dishes, the rattle of knives and forks, the banging of crackers, the peals of laughter, and the cross-fire of chaff.
Alas! all good things must come to an end, and so did this party.

One by one the little guests said good-bye, and after they had gone the little family of children and elders was left alone.