It 's the best cubby of all , and we take turns to have it . '' `` I 'll find it , and that 'll be a first-rate place , '' said Ben , much gratified . `` I could put my reading-book in sometimes , if you 'd like it . There 's lots of pretty stories in it and pictures , '' proposed Betty , rather timidly ; for she wanted to share the benevolent project , but had little to offer , not being as good a scholar as Bab . `` I 'd like a ` rithmetic better . I read tip-top , but I ai n't much on ` rithmetic ; so , if you can spare yours , I might take a look at it . Now I 'm goin ' to earn wages , I ought to know about addin ' 'em up , and so on , '' said Ben , with the air of a Vanderbilt oppressed with the care of millions . `` I 'll teach you that . Betty does n't know much about sums . But she spells splendidly , and is always at the head of her class . Teacher is real proud of her , 'cause she never misses , and spells hard , fussy words , like chi-rog-ra-phy and bron-chi-tis as easy as any thing . '' Bab quite beamed with sisterly pride , and Betty smoothed down her apron with modest satisfaction , for Bab seldom praised her , and she liked it very much . `` I never went to school , so that 's the reason I ai n't smart . I can write , though , better 'n some of the boys up at school . I saw lots of names on the shed door . See here , now , '' -- and scrambling down , Ben pulled out a cherished bit of chalk , and flourished off ten letters of the alphabet , one on each of the dark stone slabs that paved the walk . `` Those are beautiful ! I ca n't make such curly ones . Who taught you to do it ? '' asked Bab , as she and Betty walked up and down admiring them .
`` Horse blankets , '' answered XXXXX , soberly .
Bab Ben Betty Teacher Vanderbilt addin bron-chi-tis cubby reading-book slabs