"When at the
festal board, in order plac'd, They hear the song."
He never wrote to them--that may have been selfish, but it was a part of the flattery of his trust of me; for the way in which a man pays his highest tribute to a woman is apt to be but by the more
festal celebration of one of the sacred laws of his comfort; and I held that I carried out the spirit of the pledge given not to appeal to him when I let my charges understand that their own letters were but charming literary exercises.
Into this
festal season of the year -- as it already was, and continued to be during the greater part of two centuries -- the Puritans compressed whatever mirth and public joy they deemed allowable to human infirmity; thereby so far dispelling the customary cloud, that, for the space of a single holiday, they appeared scarcely more grave than most other communities at a period of general affliction.
The damaged garment was removed and partially immersed in turpentine, while Rebecca graced the
festal board clad in a blue calico wrapper of Mrs.
There were warfeasts, and scalp-dances, with warlike songs and savage music; all the inhabitants were arrayed in their
festal dresses; while the old heralds went round from lodge to lodge, promulgating with loud voices the events of the battle and the exploits of the various warriors.
No marriage was ever so little
festal. Like other human beings when deprived of their accessories, it became a simple act in itself, great only in thought.
During the remainder of that day of
festal sadness, I was left to my own devices.
Green Gables had a very
festal appearance as they drove up the lane.
The midnight chant had helped as usual to lift the morning above the level of common days; and then there were the smell of hot toast and ale from the kitchen, at the breakfast hour; the favorite anthem, the green boughs, and the short sermon gave the appropriate
festal character to the church-going; and aunt and uncle Moss, with all their seven children, were looking like so many reflectors of the bright parlor-fire, when the church-goers came back, stamping the snow from their feet.
These were some of the fantasies which she had long dreamed about; and, aided by these, Uncle Venner's casual attempt at encouragement kindled a strange
festal glory in the poor, bare, melancholy chambers of her brain, as if that inner world were suddenly lighted up with gas.
We were, as I have said, in the dining-room: the lustre, which had been lit for dinner, filled the room with a
festal breadth of light; the large fire was all red and clear; the purple curtains hung rich and ample before the lofty window and loftier arch; everything was still, save the subdued chat of Adele (she dared not speak loud), and, filling up each pause, the beating of winter rain against the panes.
The thought of the
festal morning and the due salutations reawakened his desire for his friend, and he began to call for him by name.