He could not help hearing a word now and then , as the windows were open , and these bits of conversation filled him with curiosity for the names `` Thorny , '' `` Celia , '' and `` George '' were often repeated , and an occasional merry laugh from the young lady sounded like music in that usually quiet place . When dinner was over , Ben 's industrious fit left him , and he leisurely trundled his barrow to and fro till the guest departed . There was no chance for him to help now , since Pat , anxious to get whatever trifle might be offered for his services , was quite devoted in his attentions to the mare and her mistress , till she was mounted and off . But Miss Celia did not forget her little guide , and , spying a wistful face behind the wood-pile , paused at the gate and beckoned with that winning smile of hers . If ten Pats had stood scowling in the way , Ben would have defied them all ; and , vaulting over the fence , he ran up with a shining face , hoping she wanted some last favor of him . Leaning down , Miss Celia slipped a new quarter into his hand , saying , `` Lita wants me to give you this for taking the stone out of her foot . '' `` Thank y ' , ma'am ; I liked to do it , for I hate to see 'em limp , ` specially such a pretty one as she is , '' answered Ben , stroking the glossy neck with a loving touch . `` The Squire says you know a good deal about horses , so I suppose you understand the Houyhnhnm language ? I 'm learning it , and it is very nice , '' laughed Miss Celia , as Chevalita gave a little whinny and snuffled her nose into Ben 's pocket . `` No , miss , I never went to school . '' `` That is not taught there . I 'll bring you a book all about it when I come back . Mr. Gulliver went to the horse-country and heard the dear things speak their own tongue . '' `` My father has been on the prairies , where there 's lots of wild ones , but he did n't hear 'em speak . I know what they want without talkin ' , '' answered Ben , suspecting a joke , but not exactly seeing what it was . `` I do n't doubt it , but I wo n't forget the book . Good-by , my lad , we shall soon meet again , '' and away went Miss Celia as if she were in a hurry to get back . `` If she only had a red habit and a streamin ' white feather , she 'd look as fine as ` Melia used to . She is ` most as kind and rides ` most as well . Wonder where she 's goin ' to .
Hope she will come soon , '' thought XXXXX , watching till the last flutter of the blue habit vanished round the corner ; and then he went back to his work with his head full of the promised book , pausing now and then to chink the two silver halves and the new quarter together in his pocket , wondering what he should buy with this vast sum .
Ben Celia Chevalita Gulliver Houyhnhnm Melia Pats fro horse-country wood-pile