`` You can be very agreeable when you like ; and Ben has had enough of me for this time . To-morrow he will have his work , and do very well ; but we must try to help him through to-day , because he does n't know what to do with himself . Besides , it is just the time to make a good impression on him , while grief for his father softens him , and gives us a chance . I like him , and I 'm sure he wants to do well ; so it is our duty to help him , as there seems to be no one else . '' `` Here goes , then ! Where is he ? '' and Thorny stood up , won by his sister 's sweet earnestness , but very doubtful of his own success with the `` horsey fellow . '' `` Waiting with the chair . Randa has gone on with the hammock . Be a dear boy , and I 'll do as much for you some day . '' `` Do n't see how you can be a dear boy . You 're the best sister that ever was ; so I 'll love all the scallywags you ask me to . '' With a laugh and a kiss , Thorny shambled off to ascend his chariot , good-humoredly saluting his pusher , whom he found sitting on the high rail behind , with his feet on Sanch . `` Drive on , Benjamin . I do n't know the way , so I ca n't direct . Do n't spill me out , -- that 's all I 've got to say . '' `` All right , sir , '' -- and away Ben trundled down the long walk that led through the orchard to a little grove of seven pines . A pleasant spot ; for a soft rustle filled the air , a brown carpet of pine needles , with fallen cones for a pattern , lay under foot ; and over the tops of the tall brakes that fringed the knoll one had glimpses of hill and valley , farm-houses and winding river , like a silver ribbon through the low , green meadows . `` A regular summer house ! '' said Thorny , surveying it with approval .
`` What 's the matter , XXXXX ?
Ben Randa Sanch Thorny day farm-houses horsey pusher right scallywags