It wo n't hurt me to follow him in this road , '' thought Mr. Brown , as he came out into the highway from his stroll `` across-lots , '' feeling that it would be good for him to stay in this quiet place , for his own as well as his son 's sake . The Bell had done ringing when he reached the green , but a single boy sat on the steps and rail to meet him , saying , with a reproachful look , -- `` I was n't going to let you be alone , and have folks think I was ashamed of my father . Come , Daddy , we 'll sit together . '' So Ben led his father straight to the Squire 's pew , and sat beside him with a face so full of innocent pride and joy , that people would have suspected the truth if he had not already told many of them . Mr. Brown , painfully conscious of his shabby coat , was rather `` taken aback , '' as he expressed it ; but the Squire 's shake of the hand , and Mrs. Allen 's gracious nod enabled him to face the eyes of the interested congregation , the younger portion of which stared steadily at him all sermon time , in spite of paternal frowns and maternal tweakings in the rear . But the crowning glory of the day came after church , when the Squire said to Ben , and Sam heard him , -- `` I 've got a letter for you from Miss Celia . Come home with me , and bring your father . I want to talk to him . '' The boy proudly escorted his parent to the old carry-all , and , tucking himself in behind with Mrs. Allen , had the satisfaction of seeing the slouched felt hat side by side with the Squire 's Sunday beaver in front , as they drove off at such an unusually smart pace , it was evident that Duke knew there was a critical eye upon him . The interest taken in the father was owing to the son at first ; but , by the time the story was told , old Ben had won friends for himself not only because of the misfortunes which he had evidently borne in a manly way , but because of his delight in the boy 's improvement , and the desire he felt to turn his hand to any honest work , that he might keep Ben happy and contented in this good home . `` I 'll give you a line to Towne . Smithers spoke well of you , and your own ability will be the best recommendation , '' said the Squire , as he parted from them at his door , having given Ben the letter . Miss Celia had been gone a fortnight , and every one was longing to have her back . The first week brought Ben a newspaper , with a crinkly line drawn round the marriages to attract attention to that spot , and one was marked by a black frame with a large hand pointing at it from the margin . Thorny sent that ; but the next week came a parcel for Mrs. Moss , and in it was discovered a box of wedding cake for every member of the family , including Sancho , who ate his at one gulp , and chewed up the lace paper which covered it . This was the third week ; and , as if there could not be happiness enough crowded into it for Ben , the letter he read on his way home told him that his dear mistress was coming back on the following Saturday . One passage particularly pleased him , -- `` I want the great gate opened , so that the new master may go in that way . Will you see that it is done , and all made neat afterward ? Randa will give you the key , and you may have out all your flags if you like , for the old place can not look too gay for this home-coming . '' Sunday though it was , Ben could not help waving the letter over his head as he ran in to tell Mrs. Moss the glad news , and begin at once to plan the welcome they would give Miss Celia , for he never called her any thing else .
During their afternoon stroll in the mellow sunshine , XXXXX continued to talk of her , never tired of telling about his happy summer under her roof .
Bell Ben Brown Moss Squire Towne first fortnight home-coming tweakings