`` Thorny used to ` confound ! ' every thing , so I proposed that he should whistle instead ; and now he sometimes pipes up so suddenly and shrilly that it makes me jump . How would that do , instead of swearing ? '' proposed Miss Celia , not the least surprised at the habit of profanity , which the boy could hardly help learning among his former associates . Ben laughed , and promised to try it , feeling a mischievous satisfaction at the prospect of out-whistling Master Thorny , as he knew he should ; for the objectionable words rose to his lips a dozen times a day . The Ben was ringing as they drove into town ; and , by the time Lita was comfortably settled in her shed , people were coming up from all quarters to cluster around the steps of the old meeting-house like bees about a hive . Accustomed to a tent , where people kept their hats on , Ben forgot all about his , and was going down the aisle covered , when a gentle hand took it off , and Miss Celia whispered , as she gave it to him , -- `` This is a holy place ; remember that , and uncover at the door . '' Much abashed , Ben followed to the pew , where the Squire and his wife soon joined them . `` Glad to see him here , '' said the old gentleman with an approving nod , as he recognized the boy and remembered his loss . `` Hope he wo n't nestle round in meeting-time , '' whispered Mrs. Allen , composing herself in the corner with much rustling of black silk . `` I 'll take care that he does n't disturb you , '' answered Miss Celia , pushing a stool under the short legs , and drawing a palm-leaf fan within reach . Ben gave an inward sigh at the prospect before him ; for an hour 's captivity to an active lad is hard to bear , and he really did want to behave well . So he folded his arms and sat like a statue , with nothing moving but his eyes . They rolled to and fro , up and down , from the high red pulpit to the worn hymnbooks in the rack , recognizing two little faces under blue-ribboned hats in a distant pew , and finding it impossible to restrain a momentary twinkle in return for the solemn wink Billy Barton bestowed upon him across the aisle . Ten minutes of this decorous demeanor made it absolutely necessary for him to stir ; so he unfolded his arms and crossed his legs as cautiously as a mouse moves in the presence of a cat ; for Mrs. Allen 's eye was on him , and he knew by experience that it was a very sharp one . The music which presently began was a great relief to him , for under cover of it he could wag his foot and no one heard the creak thereof ; and when they stood up to sing , he was so sure that all the boys were looking at him , he was glad to sit down again . The good old minister read the sixteenth chapter of Samuel , and then proceeded to preach a long and somewhat dull sermon . Ben listened with all his ears , for he was interested in the young shepherd , `` ruddy and of a beautiful countenance , '' who was chosen to be Saul 's armor-bearer . He wanted to hear more about him , and how he got on , and whether the evil spirits troubled Saul again after David had harped them out . But nothing more came ; and the old gentleman droned on about other things till poor Ben felt that he must either go to sleep like the Squire , or tip the stool over by accident , since `` nestling '' was forbidden , and relief of some sort he must have .
Mrs. XXXXX gave him a peppermint , and he dutifully ate it , though it was so hot it made his eyes water .
Allen Barton Ben Celia David Samuel accident day hour pew