He 'll get over them soon , and then I know you two will be good friends . '' Ben had his doubts about that , but resolved to do his best for her sake ; so , when Master Thorny presently appeared , with a careless `` How are you , Ben ? '' that young person answered respectfully , -- `` Very well , thank you , '' though his nod was as condescending as his new master 's ; because he felt that a boy who could ride bareback and turn a double somersault in the air ought not to `` knuckle under '' to a fellow who had not the strength of a pussy-cat . `` Sailor 's knot , please ; keeps better so , '' said Thorny , holding up his chin to have a blue-silk scarf tied to suit him , for he was already beginning to be something of a dandy . `` You ought to wear red till you get more color , dear ; '' and his sister rubbed her blooming cheek against his pale one , as if to lend him some of her own roses . `` Men do n't care how they look , '' said Thorny , squirming out of her hold , for he hated to be `` cuddled '' before people . `` Oh , do n't they ? Here 's a vain boy who brushes his hair a dozen times a day , and quiddles over his collar till he is so tired he can hardly stand , '' laughed Miss Celia , with a little tweak of his ear . `` I should like to know what this is for ? '' demanded Thorny , in a dignified tone , presenting a black tie . `` For my other boy . He is going to church with me , '' and Miss Celia tied a second knot for this young gentleman , with a smile that seemed to brighten up even the rusty hat-band . `` Well , I like that -- '' began Thorny , in a tone that contradicted his words . A look from his sister reminded him of what she had told him half an hour ago , and he stopped short , understanding now why she was `` extra good to the little tramp . '' `` So do I , for you are of no use as a driver yet , and I do n't like to fasten Lita when I have my best gloves on , '' said Miss Celia , in a tone that rather nettled Master Thorny . `` Is Ben going to black my boots before he goes ? with a glance at the new shoes which caused them to creak uneasily . `` No ; he is going to black mine , if he will be so kind . You wo n't need boots for a week yet , so we wo n't waste any time over them . You will find every thing in the shed , Ben ; and at ten you may go for Lita . ''
With that , Miss XXXXX walked her brother off to the diningroom , and Ben retired to vent his ire in such energetic demonstrations with the blacking-brush that the little boots shone splendidly .
Ben Celia Lita Sailor bareback day hat-band pussy-cat second week