said Betty to Bab , as the boys began to discuss St. Bernard dogs with Spirit . `` I wish I could , dears , '' answered a voice behind them ; and there was Miss Celia , looking so happy that the little girls wondered what the letter could have said to give her such bright eyes and smiling lips . `` I shall not be gone long , or be a bit changed when I come back , to live among you years I hope , for I am fond of the old place now , and mean it shall be home , '' she added , caressing the yellow heads as if they were dear to her . `` Oh , goody ! '' cried Bab , while Betty whispered with both arms round Miss Celia , -- `` I do n't think we could bear to have anybody else come here to live . '' `` It is very pleasant to hear you say that , and I mean to make others feel so , if I can . I have been trying a little this summer , but when I come back I shall go to work in earnest to be a good minister 's wife , and you must help me . '' `` We will , '' promised both children , ready for any thing except preaching in the high pulpit . Then Miss Celia turned to Ben , saying , in the respectful way that always made him feel at least twenty-five , -- `` We shall be off to-morrow , and I leave you in charge . Go on just as if we were here , and be sure nothing will be changed as far as you are concerned when we come back . '' Ben 's face beamed at that ; but the only way he could express his relief was by making such a blaze in honor of the occasion that he nearly roasted the company . Next morning , the brother and sister slipped quietly away , and the children hurried to school , eager to tell the great news that `` Miss Celia and Thorny had gone to be married , and were coming back to live here for ever and ever . '' CHAPTER XXIII SOMEBODY COMES Bab and Betty had been playing in the avenue all the afternoon several weeks later , but as the shadows began to lengthen both agreed to sit upon the gate and rest while waiting for Ben , who had gone nutting with a party of boys . When they played house Bab was always the father , and went hunting or fishing with great energy and success , bringing home all sorts of game , from elephants and crocodiles to humming-birds and minnows . Betty was the mother , and a most notable little housewife , always mixing up imaginary delicacies with sand and dirt in old pans and broken china , which she baked in an oven of her own construction . Both had worked hard that day , and were glad to retire to their favorite lounging-place , where Bab was happy trying to walk across the wide top bar without falling off , and Betty enjoyed slow , luxurious swings while her sister was recovering from her tumbles . On this occasion , having indulged their respective tastes , they paused for a brief interval of conversation , sitting side by side on the gate like a pair of plump gray chickens gone to roost . `` Do n't you hope Ben will get his bag full ? We shall have such fun eating nuts evenings observed Bab , wrapping her arms in her apron , for it was October now , and the air was growing keen . `` Yes , and Ma says we may boil some in our little kettles .
XXXXX promised we should have half , '' answered Betty , still intent on her cookery .
Bab Ben Betty Celia china day dears humming-birds minnows years