Here a rumbling sound caused the guests to look toward the garden , and in a moment Miss Celia appeared , pushing a wheeled chair , in which sat her brother . A gay afghan covered the long legs , a broad-brimmed hat half hid the big eyes , and a discontented expression made the thin face as unattractive as the fretful voice , which said , complainingly , -- `` If they make a noise , I 'll go in . Do n't see what you asked them for . '' `` To amuse you , dear . I know they will , if you will only try to like them , '' whispered the sister , smiling , and nodding over the chair-back as she came on , adding aloud , `` Such a punctual party ! I am all ready , however , and we will sit down at once . This is my brother Thornton , and we are all going to be very good friends by-and-by . Here 's the droll dog , Thorny ; is n't he nice and curly ? '' Now , Ben had heard what the other boy said , and made up his mind that he should n't like him ; and Thorny had decided beforehand that he would n't play with a tramp , even if he cut capers ; go both looked decidedly cool and indifferent when Miss Celia introduced them . But Sancho had better manners and no foolish pride ; he , therefore , set them a good example by approaching the chair , with his tail waving like a flag of truce , and politely presented his ruffled paw for a hearty shake . Thorny could not resist that appeal , and patted the white head , with a friendly look into the affectionate eyes of the dog , saying to his sister as he did so , -- `` What a wise old fellow he is ! It seems as if he could almost speak , does n't it ? '' `` He can . Say ` How do you do , ' Sanch , '' commanded Ben , relenting at once , for he saw admiration in Thorny 's face . `` Wow , wow , wow ! '' remarked Sancho , in a mild and conversational tone , sitting up and touching one paw to his head , as if he saluted by taking off his hat . Thorny laughed in spite of himself , and Miss Celia seeing that the ice was broken , wheeled him to his place at the foot of the table . Then , seating the little girls on one side , Ben and the dog on the other , took the head herself and told her guests to begin . Bab and Betty were soon chattering away to their pleasant hostess as freely as if they had known her for months ; but the boys were still rather shy , and made Sancho the medium through which they addressed one another . The excellent beast behaved with wonderful propriety , sitting upon his cushion in an attitude of such dignity that it seemed almost a liberty to offer him food .
A dish of thick sandwiches had been provided for his especial refreshment ; and , as XXXXX from time to time laid one on his plate , he affected entire unconsciousness of it till the word was given , when it vanished at one gulp , and Sancho again appeared absorbed in deep thought .
Bab Ben Betty Celia Sanch Sancho Thornton Thorny chair-back months