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 Celia , adding gayly as Sancho broke loose and came to offer both his paw and his congratulations . `` Sanch , introduce your master , that I may thank him for coming back in time to save my old house . '' `` If I 'd saved a dozen it would n't have half paid for all you 've done for my boy , ma'am , '' answered Mr. Brown , bursting out from behind the gate quite red with gratitude and pleasure . `` I loved to do it , so please remember that this is still his home till you make one for him . Thank God , he is no longer fatherless ! '' and her sweet face said even more than her words as the white hand cordially shook the brown one with a burn across the back . `` Come on , sister . I see the tea-table all ready , and I 'm awfully hungry , '' interrupted Thorny , who had not a ray of sentiment about him , though very glad Ben had got his father back again . `` Come over , by-and-by , little friends , and let me thank you for your pretty welcome , -- it certainly is a warm one ; '' and Mrs. Celia glanced merrily from the three bright faces above her to the old chimney , which still smoked sullenly . `` Oh , do n't ! '' cried Bab , hiding her face . `` She did n't mean to , '' added Betty , pleadingly . `` Three cheers for the bride ! ''
roared XXXXX , dipping his flag , as leaning on her husband 's arm his dear mistress passed under the gay arch , along the leaf-strewn walk , over the threshold of the house which was to be her happy home for many years .
Ben Brown Celia George Randa Sancho burn courtesies gate-posts griffins