Miss Celia would n't care , and I 'm going , any way . '' `` Do , do take me , Ben ! I 'll be just as good as ever was , and I 'll take care of Sanch all the way , '' pleaded Bab , clasping her hands and looking round for some sign of relenting in the faces of the boys . `` Do n't you bother ; we do n't want any girls tagging after us , '' said Sam , walking off to escape the annoyance . `` I 'll bring you a roll of chickerberry lozengers , if you wo n't tease , '' whispered kind-hearted Billy , with a consoling pat on the crown of the shabby straw hat . `` When the circus comes here you shall go , certain sure , and Betty too , '' said Ben , feeling mean while he proposed what he knew was a hollow mockery . `` They never do come to such little towns ; you said so , and I think you are very cross , and I wo n't take care of Sanch , so , now ! '' cried Bab , getting into a passion , yet ready to cry , she was so disappointed . `` I Suppose it would n't do -- '' hinted Billy , with a look from Ben to the little girl , who stood winking hard to keep the tears back . `` Of Course it would n't . I 'd like to see her walking eight miles . I do n't mind paying for her ; it 's getting her there and back . Girls are such a bother when you want to knock round . No , Bab , you ca n't go . Travel right home and do n't make a fuss . Come along , boys ; it 's most eleven , and we do n't want to walk fast . '' Ben spoke very decidedly ; and , taking Billy 's arm , away they went , leaving poor Bab and Sanch to watch them out of sight , one sobbing , the other whining dismally . Somehow those two figures seemed to go before Ben all along the pleasant road , and half spoilt his fun ; for though he laughed and talked , cut canes , and seemed as merry as a grig , he could not help feeling that he ought to have asked leave to go , and been kinder to Bab . `` Perhaps Mrs. Moss would have planned somehow so we could all go , if I 'd told her , I 'd like to show her round , and she 's been real good to me . No use now .
I 'll take the girls a lot of candy and make it all XXXXX . ''
Ben Betty Billy Celia Moss Sam canes escape grig right