`` No 'm , it is n't . '' `` Then what can it be ? '' `` Meow ! '' answered a fourth voice from the closet ; and as Ben flung open the door a gray kitten walked out , purring with satisfaction at her release . Miss Celia fell into a chair and laughed till her eyes were full ; Thorny looked foolish , and Ben folded his arms , curled up his nose , and regarded his accuser with calm defiance , while pussy sat down to wash her face as if her morning toilette had been interrupted by her sudden abduction . `` That 's all very well , but it does n't mend matters much , so you need n't laugh , Celia , '' began Thorny , recovering himself , and stubbornly bent on sifting the case to the bottom , now he had begun . `` Well , it would , if you 'd let a feller alone . She said she wanted a cat , so I went and got the one they gave me when I was at the Squire 's . I went early and took her without asking , and I had a right to , '' explained Ben , much aggrieved by having his surprise spoiled . `` It was very kind of you , and I 'm glad to have this nice kitty . We will shut her up in my room to catch the mice that plague me , '' said Miss Celia , picking up the little cat , and wondering how she would get her two angry boys safely down stairs . `` The dressing-room , she means ; you know the way , and you do n't need keys to get in , '' added Thorny , with such sarcastic emphasis that Ben felt some insult was intended , and promptly resented it . `` You wo n't get me to climb any more trees after your balls , and my cat wo n't catch any of your mice , so you need n't ask me . '' `` Cats do n't catch thieves , and they are what I 'm after ! '' `` What do you mean by that ? '' fiercely demanded Ben . `` Celia has lost some money out of her drawer , and you wo n't let me see what 's in yours ; So I thought , perhaps , you 'd got it ! '' blurted out Thorny , finding it hard to say the words , angry as he was , for the face opposite did not look like a guilty one . For a minute , Ben did not seem to understand him , plainly as he spoke ; then he turned an angry scarlet , and , with a reproachful glance at his mistress , opened the little drawer so that both could see all that it contained . `` They ai n't any thing ; but I 'm fond of 'em they are all I 've got -- I was afraid he 'd laugh at me that time , so I would n't let him look -- it was father 's birthday , and I felt bad about him and Sanch -- '' Ben 's indignant voice got more and more indistinct as he stumbled on , and broke down over the last words .
He did not cry , however , but threw back his little treasures as if half their sacredness was gone ; and , making a strong effort at self-control , faced around , asking of Miss XXXXX , with a grieved look , `` Did you think I 'd steal anything of yours ? ''
Ben Celia Meow Sanch accuser dressing-room fourth minute right toilette