`` 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 Celia 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 . He thought he had never seen any thing as pretty as his mistress when , an hour later , she came out of the house in her white shawl and bonnet , holding a book and a late lily-of-the-valley in the pearl-colored gloves , which he hardly dared to touch as he helped her into the carriage . He had seen a good many fine ladies in his life ; and those he had known had been very gay in the colors of their hats and gowns , very fond of cheap jewelry , and much given to feathers , lace , and furbelows ; so it rather puzzled him to discover why Miss Celia looked so sweet and elegant in such a simple suit . He did not then know that the charm was in the woman , not the clothes ; or that merely living near such a person would do more to give him gentle manners , good principles , and pure thoughts , than almost any other training he could have had . But he was conscious that it was pleasant to be there , neatly dressed , in good company , and going to church like a respectable boy .
Somehow , the lonely feeling got better as he rolled along between green fields , with the June sunshine brightening every thing , a restful quiet in the air , and a friend beside him who sat silently looking out at the lovely world with what he afterward learned to call her `` Sunday face , '' -- a soft , happy look , as if all the work and weariness of the past week were forgotten , and she was ready to begin afresh when this blessed XXXXX was over .
Celia Lita Thorny day diningroom lily-of-the-valley quiddles second tweak week