My Sunday-school book says that children who are naughty that way never go to heaven , '' observed virtuous Betty , in a warning tone . `` I do not wish to go , '' was the startling reply . `` Why not ? '' asked Betty , severely . `` They do n't have any dirt there . My mamma says so . I am fond of dirt . I shall stay here where there is plenty of it , '' and the candid youth began to grub in the mould with the satisfaction of a genuine boy . `` I am afraid you 're a very bad child . '' `` Oh yes , I am . My papa often says so and he knows all about it , '' replied Alfred with an involuntary wriggle suggestive of painful memories . Then , as if anxious to change the conversation from its somewhat personal channel , he asked , pointing to a row of grinning heads above the wall , `` Do you shoot at those ? '' Bab and Betty looked up quickly and recognized the familiar faces of their friends peering down at them , like a choice collection of trophies or targets . `` I should think you 'd be ashamed to peek before the party was ready ! '' cried Bab , frowning darkly upon the merry young ladies . `` Miss Celia told us to come before two , and be ready to receive folks , if she was n't down , '' added Betty , importantly . `` It is striking two now . Come along , girls ; '' and over scrambled Sally Folsom , followed by three or four kindred spirits , just as their hostess appeared . `` You look like Amazons storming a fort , '' she said , as the girls cattle up , each carrying her bow and arrows , while green ribbons flew in every direction . `` How do you do , sir ?
I have been hoping you would call again , '' added Miss XXXXX , shaking hands with the pretty boy , who regarded with benign interest the giver of little cakes .
Alfred Amazons Bab Betty Celia Folsom book ladies peek wriggle