A week after the secret alliance was formed , Ben ran in one evening with a letter for Miss Celia . He found her enjoying the cheery blaze of the pine-cones the little girls had picked up for her , and Bab and Betty sat in the small chairs rocking luxuriously as they took turns to throw on the pretty fuel . Miss Celia turned quickly to receive the expected letter , glanced at the writing , post-mark and stamp , with an air of delighted surprise , then clasped it close in both hands , saying , as she hurried out of the room , -- `` He has come ! he has come ! Now you may tell them , Thorny . '' `` Tell its what ? asked Bab , pricking up her cars at once . `` Oh , it 's only that George has come , and I suppose we shall go and get married right away , '' answered Thorny , rubbing his hands as if he enjoyed the prospect . `` Are you going to be married ? asked Betty , so soberly that the boys shouted , and Thorny , with difficulty composed himself sufficiently to explain . `` No , child , not just yet ; but sister is , and I must go and see that all is done up ship-shape , and bring you home some wedding-cake . Ben will take care of you while I 'm gone . '' `` When shall you go ? '' asked Bab , beginning to long for her share of cake . `` To-morrow , I guess . Celia has been packed and ready for a week . We agreed to meet George in New York , and be married as soon as he got his best clothes unpacked . We are men of our word , and off we go . Wo n't it be fun ? '' `` But when will you come back again ? ''
questioned XXXXX , looking anxious .
Bab Ben Betty Celia York evening pine-cones right ship-shape week