`` I never can come out , for every one will hate me , '' sobbed Bab among the straw , as she pulled in her foot , as if retiring for ever from an outraged world . `` Ma wo n't , she 's too busy cleaning up ; so it 's a good time to come . Let 's run home , wash our hands , and be all nice when they see us . I 'll love you , no matter what anybody else does , '' said Betty , consoling the poor little sinner , and proposing the sort of repentance most likely to find favor in the eyes of the agitated elders . `` P'raps I 'd better go home , for Sanch will want his bed , '' and Bab gladly availed herself of that excuse to back out of her refuge , a very crumpled , dusty young lady , with a dejected face and much straw sticking in her hair . Betty led her sadly away , for she still protested that she never should dare to meet the offended public again ; but in fifteen minutes both appeared in fine order and good spirits , and naughty Bab escaped a lecture for the time being , as the train would soon be due . At the first sound of the car whistle every one turned good-natured as if by magic , and flew to the gate smiling as if all mishaps were forgiven and forgotten . Mrs. Moss , however , slipped quietly away , and was the first to greet Mrs. Celia as the carriage stopped at the entrance of the avenue , so that the luggage might go in by way of the lodge . `` We will walk up and you shall tell us the news as we go , for I see you have some , '' said the young lady , in her friendly manner , when Mrs. Moss had given her welcome and paid her respects to the gentleman who shook hands in a way that convinced her he was indeed what Thorny called him , `` regularly jolly , '' though he was a minister . That being exactly what she came for , the good woman told her tidings as rapidly as possible , and the new-comers were so glad to hear of Ben 's happiness they made very light of Bab 's bonfire , though it had nearly burnt their house down . `` We wo n't say a word about it , for every one must be happy to-day , '' said Mr. George , so kindly that Mrs. Moss felt a load taken off her heart at once . `` Bab was always teasing me for fireworks , but I guess she has had enough for the present , '' laughed Thorny , who was gallantly escorting Bab 's mother up the avenue . `` Every one is so kind ! Teacher was out with the children to cheer us as we passed , and here you all are making things pretty for me , '' said Mrs. Celia , smiling with tears in her eyes , as they drew near the great gate , which certainly did present an animated if not an imposing appearance . Randa and Katy stood on one side , all in their best , bobbing delighted courtesies ; Mr. Brown , half hidden behind the gate on the other side , was keeping Sancho erect , so that he might present arms promptly when the bride appeared . As flowers were scarce , on either post stood a rosy little girl clapping her hands , while out from the thicket of red and yellow boughs , which made a grand bouquet in the lantern frame , came Ben 's head and shoulders , as he waved his grandest flag with its gold paper `` Welcome Home ! '' on a blue ground . `` Is n't it beautiful ! '' cried Mrs. Celia , throwing kisses to the children , shaking hands with her maids , and glancing brightly at the stranger who was keeping Sanch quiet . `` Most people adorn their gate-posts with stone balls , vases , or griffins ; your living images are a great improvement , love , especially the happy boy in the middle , '' said Mr. George , eying Ben with interest , as he nearly tumbled overboard , top-heavy with his banner .
`` You must finish what I have only begun , '' answered XXXXX , adding gayly as Sancho broke loose and came to offer both his paw and his congratulations .
Bab Brown Celia George Moss P'raps Randa first gate-posts mishaps