`` I 'm used to that . I do n't mind it if he wo n't call me a ` spalpeen , ' and fire things at me , '' said Ben , thinking of his late trials with Pat . `` I can promise that ; and I am sure Thorny will like you , for I told him your story , and he is anxious to see ` the circus boy ' as he called you . Squire Allen says I may trust you , and I am glad to do so , for it saves me much trouble to find what I want all ready for me . You shall be well fed and clothed , kindly treated and honestly paid , if you like to stay with me . '' `` I know I shall like it -- till father comes , anyway . Squire wrote to Smithers right off , but has n't got any answer yet . I know they are on the go now , so may be we wo n't hear for ever so long , '' answered Ben , feeling less impatient to be off than before this fine proposal was made to him . `` I dare say ; meantime , we will see how we get on together , and perhaps your father will be willing leave you for the summer if he is away . Now show me the baker 's , the candy-shop , and the post-office , '' said Miss Celia , as they rattled down the main street of the village . Ben made himself useful ; and when all the other errands were done , received his reward in the shape of a new pair of shoes and a straw hat with a streaming blue ribbon , on the ends of which shone silvery anchors . He was also allowed to drive home , while his new mistress read her letters . One particularly long one , with a queer stamp on the envelope , she read twice , never speaking a word till they got back . Then Ben was sent off with Lita and the Squire 's letters , promising to get his chores done in time for tea . CHAPTER IX A HAPPY TEA Exactly five minutes before six the party arrived in great state , for Bab and Betty wore their best frocks and hair-ribbons , Ben had a new blue shirt and his shoes on as full-dress , and Sancho 's curls were nicely brushed , his frills as white as if just done up . No one was visible to receive them , but the low table stood in the middle of the walk , with four chairs and a foot-stool around it . A pretty set of green and white china caused the girls to cast admiring looks upon the little cups and plates , while Ben eyed the feast longingly , and Sancho with difficulty restrained himself from repeating his former naughtiness . No wonder the dog sniffed and the children smiled , for there was a noble display of little tarts and cakes , little biscuits and sandwiches , a pretty milk-pitcher shaped like a white calla rising out of its green leaves , and a jolly little tea-kettle singing away over the spirit-lamp as cosily as you please . `` Is n't it perfectly lovely ? '' whispered Betty , who had never seen any thing like it before .
`` I just wish Sally could see us now , '' answered XXXXX , who had not yet forgiven her enemy .
Allen Bab Ben Celia Pat Sancho Squire naughtiness spirit-lamp tarts