CHAPTER XVII BETTY 'S BRAVERY `` Celia , I 've a notion that we ought to give Ben something . A sort of peace-offering , you know ; for he feels dreadfully hurt about our suspecting him , '' said Thorny , at dinner that day . `` I see he does , though he tries to seem as bright and pleasant as ever . I do not wonder , and I 've been thinking what I could do to soothe his feelings . Can you suggest any thing ? '' `` Cuff-buttons . I saw some jolly ones over at Berryville , oxidized silver , with dogs ' heads on them , yellow eyes , and all as natural as could be . Those , now , would just suit him for his go-to-meeting white shirts , -- neat , appropriate , and in memoriam . '' Miss Celia could not help laughing , it was such a boyish suggestion ; but she agreed to it , thinking Thorny knew best , and hoping the yellow-eyed dogs would be as balm to Ben 's wounds . `` Well , dear , you may give those , and Lita shall give the little whip with a horse 's foot for a handle , if it is not gone . I saw it at the harness shop in town ; and Ben admired it so much that I planned to give it to him on his birthday . '' `` That will tickle him immensely ; and if you 'd just let him put brown tops to my old boots , and stick a cockade in his hat when he sits up behind the phaeton , he 'd be a happy fellow , '' laughed Thorny , who had discovered that one of Ben 's ambitions was to be a tip-top groom . `` No , thank you ; those things are out of place in America , and would be absurd in a small country place like this . His blue suit and straw hat please me better for a boy ; though a nicer little groom , in livery or out , no one could desire , and you may tell him I said so . '' `` I will , and he 'll look as proud as punch ; for he thinks every word you say worth a dozen from any one else . But wo n't you give him something ? Just some little trifle , to show that we are both eating humble pie , feeling sorry about the mouse money . '' `` I shall give him a set of school-books , and try to get him ready to begin when vacation is over . An education is the best present we can make him ; and I want you to help me fit him to enter as well is he can . Bab and Betty began , little dears , -- lent him their books and taught all they knew ; so Ben got a taste , and , with the right encouragement , would like to go on , I am sure . ''
`` That 's so like you XXXXX !
America Bab Ben Celia Lita cockade day memoriam peace-offering phaeton