with a glance at the new shoes which caused them to creak uneasily . `` No ; he is going to black mine , if he will be so kind . You wo n't need boots for a week yet , so we wo n't waste any time over them . You will find every thing in the shed , Ben ; and at ten you may go for Lita . '' With that , Miss Celia walked her brother off to the diningroom , and Ben retired to vent his ire in such energetic demonstrations with the blacking-brush that the little boots shone splendidly . He thought he had never seen any thing as pretty as his mistress when , an hour later , she came out of the house in her white shawl and bonnet , holding a book and a late lily-of-the-valley in the pearl-colored gloves , which he hardly dared to touch as he helped her into the carriage . He had seen a good many fine ladies in his life ; and those he had known had been very gay in the colors of their hats and gowns , very fond of cheap jewelry , and much given to feathers , lace , and furbelows ; so it rather puzzled him to discover why Miss Celia looked so sweet and elegant in such a simple suit . He did not then know that the charm was in the woman , not the clothes ; or that merely living near such a person would do more to give him gentle manners , good principles , and pure thoughts , than almost any other training he could have had . But he was conscious that it was pleasant to be there , neatly dressed , in good company , and going to church like a respectable boy . Somehow , the lonely feeling got better as he rolled along between green fields , with the June sunshine brightening every thing , a restful quiet in the air , and a friend beside him who sat silently looking out at the lovely world with what he afterward learned to call her `` Sunday face , '' -- a soft , happy look , as if all the work and weariness of the past week were forgotten , and she was ready to begin afresh when this blessed day was over . `` Well , child , what is it ? '' she asked , catching his eye as he stole a shy glance at her , one of many which she had not seen . `` I was only thinking , you looked as if -- '' `` As if what ? Do n't be afraid , '' she said , for Ben paused and fumbled at the reins , feeling half ashamed to tell his fancy . `` You were saying prayers , '' he added , wishing she had not caught him . `` So I was . Do n't you , when you are happy ? `` No , 'm . I 'm glad , but I do n't say any thing . '' `` Words are not needed ; but they help , sometimes , if they are sincere and sweet .
Did you never learn any prayers , XXXXX ? ''
Ben Celia Lita day diningroom feathers furbelows lily-of-the-valley prayers week