No one was visible to receive them , but the low table stood in the middle of the walk , with four chairs and a foot-stool around it . A pretty set of green and white china caused the girls to cast admiring looks upon the little cups and plates , while Ben eyed the feast longingly , and Sancho with difficulty restrained himself from repeating his former naughtiness . No wonder the dog sniffed and the children smiled , for there was a noble display of little tarts and cakes , little biscuits and sandwiches , a pretty milk-pitcher shaped like a white calla rising out of its green leaves , and a jolly little tea-kettle singing away over the spirit-lamp as cosily as you please . `` Is n't it perfectly lovely ? '' whispered Betty , who had never seen any thing like it before . `` I just wish Sally could see us now , '' answered Bab , who had not yet forgiven her enemy . `` Wonder where the boy is , '' added Ben , feeling as good as any one , but rather doubtful how others might regard him . Here a rumbling sound caused the guests to look toward the garden , and in a moment Miss Celia appeared , pushing a wheeled chair , in which sat her brother . A gay afghan covered the long legs , a broad-brimmed hat half hid the big eyes , and a discontented expression made the thin face as unattractive as the fretful voice , which said , complainingly , -- `` If they make a noise , I 'll go in . Do n't see what you asked them for . '' `` To amuse you , dear . I know they will , if you will only try to like them , '' whispered the sister , smiling , and nodding over the chair-back as she came on , adding aloud , `` Such a punctual party ! I am all ready , however , and we will sit down at once . This is my brother Thornton , and we are all going to be very good friends by-and-by . Here 's the droll dog , Thorny ; is n't he nice and curly ? '' Now , Ben had heard what the other boy said , and made up his mind that he should n't like him ; and Thorny had decided beforehand that he would n't play with a tramp , even if he cut capers ; go both looked decidedly cool and indifferent when Miss Celia introduced them . But Sancho had better manners and no foolish pride ; he , therefore , set them a good example by approaching the chair , with his tail waving like a flag of truce , and politely presented his ruffled paw for a hearty shake . Thorny could not resist that appeal , and patted the white head , with a friendly look into the affectionate eyes of the dog , saying to his sister as he did so , -- `` What a wise old fellow he is ! It seems as if he could almost speak , does n't it ? '' `` He can .
Say ` How do you do , ' Sanch , '' commanded XXXXX , relenting at once , for he saw admiration in Thorny 's face .
Bab Ben Betty Sancho Thornton Thorny calla chair-back naughtiness spirit-lamp