demanded a smothered voice from the recesses of the kennel . `` Only pieces of the roof . Ben and his father put it out , and I helped , '' answered Betty , cheering up a little as she recalled her noble exertions . `` What do they do to folks who set houses afire ? '' asked the voice again . `` I do n't know ; but you need n't be afraid , there is n't much harm done , I guess , and Miss Celia will forgive you , she 's so good . '' `` Thorny wo n't ; he calls me a ` botheration , ' and I guess I am , '' mourned the unseen culprit , with sincere contrition . `` I 'll ask him ; he is always good to me . They will be here pretty soon , so you 'd better come out and be made tidy , '' suggested the comforter . `` 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 XXXXX 's mother up the avenue .
Bab Ben Celia George P'raps Sanch botheration minutes new-comers recesses