`` They ai n't any thing ; but I 'm fond of 'em they are all I 've got -- I was afraid he 'd laugh at me that time , so I would n't let him look -- it was father 's birthday , and I felt bad about him and Sanch -- '' Ben 's indignant voice got more and more indistinct as he stumbled on , and broke down over the last words . He did not cry , however , but threw back his little treasures as if half their sacredness was gone ; and , making a strong effort at self-control , faced around , asking of Miss Celia , with a grieved look , `` Did you think I 'd steal anything of yours ? '' `` I tried not to , Ben , but what could I do ? It was gone , and you the only stranger about the place . '' `` Was n't there any one to think bad of but me ? he said , so sorrowfully that Miss Celia made up her mind on the spot that he was as innocent of the theft as the kitten now biting her buttons , no other refreshment being offered . `` Nobody , for I know my girls well . Yet , eleven dollars are gone , and I can not imagine where or how for both drawer and door are always locked , because my papers and valuables are in that room . '' `` What a lot ! But how could I get it if it was locked up ? '' and Ben looked as if that question was unanswerable . `` Folks that can climb in at windows for a ball , can go the same way for money , and get it easy enough when they 've only to pry open an old lock ! '' Thorny 's look and tone seemed to make plain to Ben all that they had been suspecting , and , being innocent , he was too perplexed and unhappy to defend himself . His eye went from one to the other , and , seeing doubt in both faces , his boyish heart sunk within him ; for he could prove nothing , and his first impulse was to go away at once . `` I ca n't say any thing , only that I did n't take the money . You wo n't believe it , so I 'd better go back where I come from . They were n't so kind , but they trusted me , and knew I would n't steal a cent . You may keep my money , and the kitty , too ; I do n't want 'em , '' and , snatching up his hat , Ben would gone straight away , if Thorny had not barred his passage . `` Come , now , do n't be mad . Let 's talk it over , and if I 'm wrong I 'll take it all back and ask your pardon , '' he said , in a friendly tone , rather scared at the consequences of his first attempt , though as sure as ever that he was right .
`` It would break my heart to have you go in that way , XXXXX .
Ben Celia Sanch Thorny dollars drawer first heart right valuables