he was dumb ; and the secrets of that memorable month never were revealed . The lame paw soon healed , the dingy color slowly yielded to many washings , the woolly coat began to knot up into little curls , a new collar , handsomely marked , made him a respectable dog , and Sancho was himself again . But it was evident that his sufferings were not forgotten ; his once sweet temper was a trifle soured ; and , with a few exceptions , he had lost his faith in mankind . Before , he had been the most benevolent and hospitable of dogs ; now , he eyed all strangers suspiciously , and the sight of a shabby man made him growl and bristle up , as if the memory of his wrongs still burned hotly within him . Fortunately , his gratitude was stronger than his resentment , and he never seemed to forget that he owed his life to Betty , -- running to meet her whenever she appeared , instantly obeying her commands , and suffering no one to molest her when he walked watchfully beside her , with her hand upon his neck , as they had walked out of the almost fatal backyard together , faithful friends for ever . Miss Celia called them little Una and her lion , and read the pretty story to the children when they wondered what she meant . Ben , with great pains , taught the dog to spell `` Betty , '' and surprised her with a display of this new accomplishment , which gratified her so much that she was never tired of seeing Sanch paw the five red letters into place , then come and lay his nose in her hand , as if he added , `` That 's the name of my dear mistress . '' Of course Bab was glad to have everything pleasant and friendly again ; but in a little dark corner of her heart there was a drop of envy , and a desperate desire to do something which would make every one in her small world like and praise her as they did Betty . Trying to be as good and gentle did not satisfy her ; she must do something brave or surprising , and no chance for distinguishing herself in that way seemed likely to appear . Betty was as fond as ever , and the boys were very kind to her ; but she felt that they both liked `` little Betcinda , '' as they called her , best , because she found Sanch , and never seemed to know that she had done any thing brave in defending him against all odds . Bab did not tell any one how she felt , but endeavored to be amiable , while waiting for her chance to come ; and , when it did arrive , made the most of it , though there was nothing heroic to add a charm . Miss Celia 's arm had been doing very well , but would , of course , be useless for some time longer . Finding that the afternoon readings amused herself as much as they did the children , she kept them up , and brought out all her old favorites enjoying a double pleasure in seeing that her young audience relished them as much as she did when a child for to all but Thorny they were brand new . Out of one of these stories came much amusement for all , and satisfaction for one of the party . `` Celia , did you bring our old bows ? '' asked her brother , eagerly , as she put down the book from which she had been reading Miss Edgeworth 's capital story of `` Waste not Want not ; or , Two Strings to your Bow . '' `` Yes , I brought all the playthings we left stored away in uncle 's garret when we went abroad . The bows are in the long box where you found the mallets , fishing-rods , and bats . The old quivers and a few arrows are there also , I believe . What is the idea now ?
asked Miss XXXXX in her turn , as Thorny bounced up in a great hurry .
Bab Betcinda Betty Celia Sancho Una fishing-rods left month playthings