`` 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 Celia 's face made her feel as if a cloud had come over the sun . `` I have a first-rate father , if I only knew where he 'd gone to , '' said Ben , looking down the path as eagerly as if one waited for him behind the locked gate . `` You are a rich boy , and you are happy little girls to have so good a mother ; I 've found that out already , '' and the sun shone again as the young lady nodded to the neat , rosy children before her . `` You may have a piece of her if you want to , 'cause you have n't got any of your own , '' said Betty with a pitiful look which made her blue eyes as sweet as two wet violets . `` So I will ! and you shall be my little sisters . I never had any , and I 'd love to try how it seems ; '' and Celia took both the chubby hands in hers , feeling ready to love every one this first bright morning in the new home , which she hoped to make a very happy one . Bab gave a satisfied nod , and fell to examining the rings upon the white hand that held her own . But Betty put her arms about the new friend 's neck , and kissed her so softly that the hungry feeling in Miss Celia 's heart felt better directly ; for this was the food it wanted , and Thorny had not learned yet to return one half of the affection he received . Holding the child close , she played with the yellow braids while she told them about the little German girls in their funny black-silk caps , short-waisted gowns , and wooden shoes , whom she used to see watering long webs of linen bleaching on the grass , watching great flocks of geese , or driving pigs to market , knitting or spinning as they went . Presently `` Randa , '' as she called her stout maid , came to tell her that `` Master Thorny could n't wait another minute ; '' and she went in to breakfast with a good appetite , while the children raced home to bounce in upon Mrs. Moss , talking all at once like little lunatics . `` The phaeton at four , -- so sweet in a beautiful white gown , -- going to tea , and Sancho and all the baby things invited . Ca n't we wear our Sunday frocks ? A splendid new net for Lita . And she likes dolls . Goody , goody , wo n't it be fun ! '' With much difficulty their mother got a clear account of the approaching festivity out of the eager mouths , and with still more difficulty , got breakfast into them , for the children had few pleasures , and this brilliant prospect rather turned their heads .
Bab and XXXXX thought the day would never end , and cheered the long hours by expatiating on the pleasures in store for them , till their playmates were much afflicted because they were not going also .
Bab Ben Betty Ca Thorny chickweed frocks lunatics minute morning