In this way much pleasure and profit was extracted from the tales Ben and Thorny read , and much unexpected knowledge as well as ignorance displayed , not to mention piles of neatly hemmed towels for which Bab and Betty were paid like regular sewing-women . So vacation was not all play , and the girls found their picnics , berry parties , and `` goin ' a visitin ' , '' all the more agreeable for the quiet hour spent with Miss Celia . Thorny had improved wonderfully , and was getting to be quite energetic , especially since his sister 's accident ; for while she was laid up he was the head of the house , and much enjoyed his promotion . But Ben did not seem to flourish as he had done at first . The loss of Sancho preyed upon him sadly , and the longing to go and find his dog grew into such a strong temptation that he could hardly resist it . He said little about it ; but now , and then a word escaped him which might have enlightened any one who chanced to be watching him . No one was , just then , so he brooded over this fancy , day by day , in silence and solitude , for there was no riding and driving now . Thorny was busy with his sister trying to show her that he remembered how good she had been to him when he was ill , and the little girls had their own affairs . Miss Celia was the first to observe the change , having nothing to do but lie on the sofa and amuse herself by seeing others work or play . Ben was bright enough at the readings , because then he forgot his troubles ; but when they were over and his various duties done , he went to his own room or sought consolation with Lita , being sober and quiet , and quite unlike the merry monkey all knew and liked so well . `` Thorny , what is the matter with Ben ? '' asked Miss Celia , one day , when she and her brother were alone in the `` green parlor , '' as they called the lilac-tree walk . `` Fretting about Sanch , I suppose . I declare I wish that dog had never been born ! Losing him has just spoilt Ben . Not a bit of fun left in him , and he wo n't have any thing I offer to cheer him up . '' Thorny spoke impatiently , and knit his brows over the pressed flowers he was neatly gumming into his herbal . `` I wonder if he has any thing on his mind ? He acts as if he was hiding a trouble he did n't dare to tell . Have you talked with him about it ? ''
asked Miss XXXXX , looking as if she was hiding a trouble she did not like to tell .
Bab Betty Celia Lita Sanch Sancho Thorny day first left