noon
`` Ay , '' returned Alden , who was busily opening the oysters at her side . `` And more by token there is a magnificence in the idea that thou hast not thought on ; for as at a great man 's table the silver dishes each bear the crest of his arms , so we being Pilgrims and thus privileged to wear the scallop shell in our hats , do rather choose to display it upon our board . '' `` Ah , John , thou hast an excellent wit -- in _ some _ things , '' replied Priscilla with a half sigh which set the young fellow wondering for an hour . By noon the long tables were spread , and still the sweet warm air of the `` Indian Summer '' made the out-of-door feast not only possible but charming , for the gauzy veil upon the distant forest , and the marine horizon , and the curves of Captain 's Hill , seemed to shut in this little scene from all the world of turmoil and danger and fatigue , while the thick yellow sunshine filtered through with just warmth enough for comfort , and the sighing southerly breeze brought wafts of perfume from the forest , and bore away , as it wandered northward , the peals of laughter , the merry yet discreet songs , and the multitudinous hum of blithe voices , Saxon and savage , male and female , adult and childish , that filled the dreamy air . The oysters in their scallop shells were a singular success , and so were the mighty venison pasties , and the savory stew compounded of all that flies the air , and all that flies the hunter in Plymouth woods , no longer flying now but swimming in a glorious broth cunningly seasoned by Priscilla 's anxious hand , and thick bestead with dumplings of barley flour , light , toothsome , and satisfying . Beside these were roasts of various kinds , and thin cakes of bread or manchets , and bowls of salad set off with wreaths of autumn leaves laid around them , and great baskets of grapes , white and purple , and of the native plum , so delicious when fully ripe in its three colors of black , white , and red . With these were plentiful flagons of ale , for already the housewives had laid down the first brewing of the native brand , and had moreover learned of the Indians to concoct a beverage akin to what is now called root beer , well flavored with sassafras , of which the Pilgrims had been glad to find good store since it brought a great price in the English market .