`` It 's a little carriage , '' and Ben rolled in the grass , much tickled at poor Betty 's ignorance . `` Of course it is . I looked it out in the dic. , and you must n't call it a payton , though it is spelt with a p , '' added Bab , who liked to lay down the law on all occasions , and did not mention that she had looked vainly among the Vs till a school-mate set her right . `` You ca n't tell me much about carriages . But what I want to know is where Lita will stay ? '' said Ben . `` Oh , she 's to be up at the Squire 's till things are fixed , and you are to bring her down . Squire came and told Ma all about it , and said you were a boy to be trusted , for he had tried you . '' Ben made no answer , but secretly thanked his stars that he had not proved himself untrustworthy by running away , and so missing all this fun . `` Wo n't it be fine to have the house open all the time ? We can run over and see the pictures and books whenever we like . I know we can , Miss Celia is so kind , '' began Betty , who cared for these things more than for screaming peacocks and comical donkeys . `` Not unless you are invited , '' answered their mother , locking the front door behind her . `` You 'd better begin to pick up your duds right away , for she wo n't want them cluttering round her front yard . If you are not too tired , Ben , you might rake round a little while I shut the blinds . I want things to look nice and tidy . '' Two little groans went up from two afflicted little girls as they looked about them at the shady bower , the dear porch , and the winding walks where they loved to run `` till their hair whistled in the wind , '' as the fairy-books say . `` Whatever shall we do ! Our attic is so hot and the shed so small , and the yard always full of hens or clothes . We shall have to pack all our things away , and never play any more , '' said Bab , tragically .
`` May be XXXXX could build us a little house in the orchard , '' proposed Betty , who firmly believed that Ben could do any thing .
Bab Ben Betty Celia Lita Squire dic. fairy-books payton right