`` Miss Celia said church was a good place to take our troubles , and to be thankful in . I went when I thought you were dead , and now I 'd love to go when I 've got my Daddy safe again . '' No one saw him , so Ben could not resist giving his father a sudden hug , which was warmly returned as the man said earnestly , -- `` I 'll go , and thank the Lord hearty for giving me back my boy better 'n I left him ! '' For a minute nothing was heard but the loud tick of the old clock and a mournful whine front Sancho , shut up in the shed lest he should go to church without an invitation . Then , as steps were heard on the stairs , Mr. Brown caught up his hat , saying hastily , -- `` I ai n't fit to go with them , you tell 'm , and I 'll slip into a back seat after folks are in . I know the way . '' And , before Ben could reply , he was gone . Nothing was seen of him along the way , but he saw the little party , and rejoiced again over his boy , changed in so many ways for the better ; for Ben was the one thing which had kept his heart soft through all the trials and temptations of a rough life . `` I promised Mary I 'd do my best for the poor baby she had to leave , and I tried ; but I guess a better friend than I am has been raised up for him when he needed her most . It wo n't hurt me to follow him in this road , '' thought Mr. Brown , as he came out into the highway from his stroll `` across-lots , '' feeling that it would be good for him to stay in this quiet place , for his own as well as his son 's sake . The Bell had done ringing when he reached the green , but a single boy sat on the steps and rail to meet him , saying , with a reproachful look , -- `` I was n't going to let you be alone , and have folks think I was ashamed of my father . Come , Daddy , we 'll sit together . '' So Ben led his father straight to the Squire 's pew , and sat beside him with a face so full of innocent pride and joy , that people would have suspected the truth if he had not already told many of them . Mr. Brown , painfully conscious of his shabby coat , was rather `` taken aback , '' as he expressed it ; but the Squire 's shake of the hand , and Mrs. Allen 's gracious nod enabled him to face the eyes of the interested congregation , the younger portion of which stared steadily at him all sermon time , in spite of paternal frowns and maternal tweakings in the rear . But the crowning glory of the day came after church , when the Squire said to Ben , and Sam heard him , -- `` I 've got a letter for you from Miss Celia . Come home with me , and bring your father . I want to talk to him . '' The boy proudly escorted his parent to the old carry-all , and , tucking himself in behind with Mrs. Allen , had the satisfaction of seeing the slouched felt hat side by side with the Squire 's Sunday beaver in front , as they drove off at such an unusually smart pace , it was evident that Duke knew there was a critical eye upon him . The interest taken in the father was owing to the son at first ; but , by the time the story was told , old Ben had won friends for himself not only because of the misfortunes which he had evidently borne in a manly way , but because of his delight in the boy 's improvement , and the desire he felt to turn his hand to any honest work , that he might keep Ben happy and contented in this good home . `` I 'll give you a line to Towne .
Smithers spoke well of you , and your own ability will be the best recommendation , '' said the XXXXX , as he parted from them at his door , having given Ben the letter .
Ben Brown Duke Mary Squire Towne across-lots first pew tweakings