He 's a nice boy and we are fond of him , and he likes us , '' said Bab , heartily . '' ` Specially me , '' put in Betty , quite at ease now , for the black eyes had softened wonderfully , and the brown face was smiling all over . `` Do n't wonder a mite . You are the nicest pair of little girls I 've seen this long time , '' and the man put a hand on either side of them , as if he wanted to hug the chubby children . But he did n't do it ; he merely smiled and stood there asking questions till the two chatterboxes had told him every thing there was to tell in the most confiding manner , for he very soon ceased to seem like a stranger , and looked so familiar that Bab , growing inquisitive in her turn , suddenly said , -- `` Have n't you ever been here before ? It seems as if I 'd seen you . '' `` Never in my life . Guess you 've seen somebody that looks like me , '' and the black eyes twinkled for a minute as they looked into the puzzled little faces before him , then he said , soberly , -- `` I 'm looking round for a likely boy ; do n't you think this Ben would suite me ? I want just such a lively sort of chap . '' `` Are you a circus man ? '' asked Bab , quickly . `` Well , no , not now . I 'm in better business . '' `` I 'm glad of it -- we do n't approve of 'em ; but I do think they 're splendid ! '' Bab began by gravely quoting Miss Celia , and ended with an irrepressible burst of admiration which contrasted drolly with her first remark . Betty added , anxiously : `` We ca n't let Ben go any way . I know he would n't want to , and Miss Celia would feel bad . Please do n't ask him . '' `` He can do as he likes , I suppose . He has n't got any folks of his own , has he ? ''
`` No , his father died in California , and XXXXX felt so bad he cried , and we were real sorry , and gave him a piece of Ma , 'cause he was so lonesome , '' answered Betty , in her tender little voice , with a pleading look which made the man stroke her smooth check and say , quite softly , -- `` Bless your heart for that !
Bab Ben Betty Celia chatterboxes ease first minute questions turn