More than Teacher , I do believe ; and she does n't mind how many questions we ask . I like folks that will tell me things , '' added Bab , whose inquisitive mind was always hungry . `` I like that boy first-rate , and I guess he likes me , though I did n't know where Nantucket ought to go . He wants me to teach him to ride when he 's on his pins again , and Miss Celia says I may . She knows how to make folks feel good , do n't she ? '' and Ben gratefully surveyed the Arab chief , now his own , though the best of all the collection . `` Wo n't we have splendid times ? She Says we may come over every night and play with her and Thorny . '' `` And she 's goin ' , to have the seats in the porch lift up , so we can put our things in there all day and have 'em handy . '' `` And I 'm going to be her boy , and stay here all the time . I guess the letter I brought was a recommend from the Squire . '' `` Yes , Ben ; and if I had not already made up my mind to keep you before , I certainly would now , my boy . '' Something in Miss Celia 's voice , as she said the last two words with her hand on Ben 's shoulder , made him look up quickly and turn red with pleasure , wondering what the Squire had written about him . `` Mother must have some of the party ; so you shall take her these , Bab , and Betty may carry Baby home for the night . She is so nicely asleep , it is a pity to wake her . Good by till to-morrow , little neighbors , '' continued Miss Celia , and dismissed the girls with a kiss . `` Is Ben coming , too ? '' asked Bab , as Betty trotted off in a silent rapture with the big darling bobbing over her shoulder . `` Not yet ; I 've several things to settle with my new man . Tell mother he will come by-and-by . ''
Off rushed Bab with the plateful of goodies ; and , drawing Ben down beside her on the wide step , Miss XXXXX took out the letters , with a shadow creeping over her face as softly as the twilight was stealing over the world , while the dew fell , and every thing grew still and dim .
Arab Bab Ben Betty Celia Mother Nantucket Squire Teacher night