`` I swept all the paths , '' added Bab , with a reproachful glance at several green sprigs fallen from the load of clover on the smooth walk . `` I cleared up the porch , '' and Betty 's clean pinafore rose and fell with a long sigh , as she surveyed the late summer residence of her exiled family . Miss Celia guessed the meaning of that sigh , and made haste to turn it into a smile by asking anxiously , -- `` What has become of the playthings ? I do n't see them anywhere . '' `` Ma said you would n't want our duds round , so we took them all home , '' answered Betty , with a wistful face . `` But I do want them round . I like dolls and toys almost as much as ever , and quite miss the little ` duds ' from porch and path . Suppose you come to tea with me to-night and bring some of them back ? I should be very sorry to rob you of your pleasant play-place . '' `` Oh , yes , 'm , we 'd love to come ! and we 'll bring our best things . '' `` Ma always lets us have our shiny pitchers and the china poodle when we go visiting or have company at home , '' said Bab and Betty , both speaking at once . `` Bring what you like , and I 'll hunt up my toys , too . Ben is to come also , and his poodle is especially invited , '' added Miss Celia , as Sancho came and begged before her , feeling that some agreeable project was under discussion . `` Thank you , miss . I told them you 'd be willing they should come sometimes . They like this place ever so much , and so do I , '' said Ben , feeling that few spots combined so many advantages in the way of climbable trees , arched gates , half-a-dozen gables , and other charms suited to the taste of an aspiring youth who had been a flying Cupid at the age of seven . `` So do I , '' echoed Miss Celia , heartily . `` Ten years ago I came here a little girl , and made lilac chains under these very bushes , and picked chickweed over there for my bird , and rode Thorny in his baby-wagon up and down these paths . Grandpa lived here then , and we had fine times ; but now they are all gone except us two . ''
`` We have n't got any father , either , '' said Bab , for something in Miss XXXXX 's face made her feel as if a cloud had come over the sun .
Bab Ben Celia Cupid Grandpa Ma Thorny play-place playthings sprigs