I have been trying a little this summer , but when I come back I shall go to work in earnest to be a good minister 's wife , and you must help me . '' `` We will , '' promised both children , ready for any thing except preaching in the high pulpit . Then Miss Celia turned to Ben , saying , in the respectful way that always made him feel at least twenty-five , -- `` We shall be off to-morrow , and I leave you in charge . Go on just as if we were here , and be sure nothing will be changed as far as you are concerned when we come back . '' Ben 's face beamed at that ; but the only way he could express his relief was by making such a blaze in honor of the occasion that he nearly roasted the company . Next morning , the brother and sister slipped quietly away , and the children hurried to school , eager to tell the great news that `` Miss Celia and Thorny had gone to be married , and were coming back to live here for ever and ever . '' CHAPTER XXIII SOMEBODY COMES Bab and Betty had been playing in the avenue all the afternoon several weeks later , but as the shadows began to lengthen both agreed to sit upon the gate and rest while waiting for Ben , who had gone nutting with a party of boys . When they played house Bab was always the father , and went hunting or fishing with great energy and success , bringing home all sorts of game , from elephants and crocodiles to humming-birds and minnows . Betty was the mother , and a most notable little housewife , always mixing up imaginary delicacies with sand and dirt in old pans and broken china , which she baked in an oven of her own construction . Both had worked hard that day , and were glad to retire to their favorite lounging-place , where Bab was happy trying to walk across the wide top bar without falling off , and Betty enjoyed slow , luxurious swings while her sister was recovering from her tumbles . On this occasion , having indulged their respective tastes , they paused for a brief interval of conversation , sitting side by side on the gate like a pair of plump gray chickens gone to roost . `` Do n't you hope Ben will get his bag full ? We shall have such fun eating nuts evenings observed Bab , wrapping her arms in her apron , for it was October now , and the air was growing keen . `` Yes , and Ma says we may boil some in our little kettles . Ben promised we should have half , '' answered Betty , still intent on her cookery . `` I shall save some of mine for Thorny . '' `` I shall keep lots of mine for Miss Celia . '' `` Does n't it seem more than two weeks since she went away ? '' `` I wonder what she 'll bring us . '' Before Bab could conjecture , the sound of a step and a familiar whistle made both look expectantly toward the turn in the road , all ready to cry out in one voice , `` How many have you got ? ''
Neither spoke a word , however , for the figure which presently appeared was not XXXXX , but a stranger , -- a man who stopped whistling , and came slowly on dusting his shoes in the way-side grass , and brushing the sleeves of his shabby velveteen coat as if anxious to freshen himself up a bit .
Bab Ben Betty Thorny china day kettles lounging-place minnows weeks