At last , a moment came when temptation proved too strong for him . Ben was listening to something Miss Celia said ; a tart lay unguarded upon his plate ; Sanch looked at Thorny who was watching him ; Thorny nodded , Sanch gave one wink , bolted the tart , and then gazed pensively up at a sparrow swinging on a twig overhead . The slyness of the rascal tickled the boy so much that he pushed back his hat , clapped his hands , and burst out laughing as he had not done before for weeks . Every one looked round surprised , and Sancho regarded them with a mildly inquiring air , as if he said , `` Why this unseemly mirth , my friends ? '' Thorny forgot both sulks and shyness after that , and suddenly began to talk . Ben was flattered by his interest in the dear dog , and opened out so delightfully that he soon charmed the other by his lively tales of circus-life . Then Miss Celia felt relieved , and every thing went splendidly , especially the food ; for the plates were emptied several times , the little tea-pot ran dry twice , and the hostess was just wondering if she ought to stop her voracious guests , when something occurred which spared her that painful task . A small boy was suddenly discovered standing in the path behind them , regarding the company with an air of solemn interest . A pretty , well-dressed child of six , with dark hair cut short across the brow , a rosy face , a stout pair of legs , left bare by the socks which had slipped down over the dusty little shoes . One end of a wide sash trailed behind him , a straw hat hung at his back , his right hand firmly grasped a small turtle , and his left a choice collection of sticks . Before Miss Celia could speak , the stranger calmly announced his mission . `` I have come to see the peacocks . '' `` You shall presently -- '' began Miss Celia , but got no further , for the child added , coming a step nearer , -- `` And the wabbits . '' `` Yes , but first wo n't you -- '' `` And the curly dog , '' continued the small voice , as another step brought the resolute young personage nearer . `` There he is . '' A pause , a long look ; then a new demand with the same solemn tone , the same advance . `` I wish to hear the donkey bray . '' `` Certainly , if he will . '' `` And the peacocks scream . '' `` Any thing more , sir ? ''
Having reached the table by this time , the insatiable infant surveyed its ravaged surface , then pointed a fat little finger at the last cake , XXXXX for manners , and said , commandingly , -- `` I will have some of that . ''
Celia Sanch Sancho bray circus-life first left right sparrow twig