`` My father has been on the prairies , where there 's lots of wild ones , but he did n't hear 'em speak . I know what they want without talkin ' , '' answered Ben , suspecting a joke , but not exactly seeing what it was . `` I do n't doubt it , but I wo n't forget the book . Good-by , my lad , we shall soon meet again , '' and away went Miss Celia as if she were in a hurry to get back . `` If she only had a red habit and a streamin ' white feather , she 'd look as fine as ` Melia used to . She is ` most as kind and rides ` most as well . Wonder where she 's goin ' to . Hope she will come soon , '' thought Ben , watching till the last flutter of the blue habit vanished round the corner ; and then he went back to his work with his head full of the promised book , pausing now and then to chink the two silver halves and the new quarter together in his pocket , wondering what he should buy with this vast sum . Bab and Betty meantime had had a most exciting day ; for when they went home at noon they found the pretty lady there , and she had talked to them like an old friend , given them a ride on the little horse , and kissed them both good-by when they went back to school . In the afternoon the lady was gone , the old house all open , and their mother sweeping , airing , in great spirits . So they had a splendid frolic tumbling on feather-beds , beating bits of carpet , opening closets , and racing from garret to cellar like a pair of distracted kittens . Here Ben found them , and was at once overwhelmed with a burst of news which excited him as much as it did them . Miss Celia owned the house , was coming to liver there , and things were to be made ready as soon as possible . All thought the prospect a charming one : Mrs. Moss , because life had been dull for her during the year she had taken charge of the old house ; the little girls had heard rumors of various pets who were coming ; and Ben , learning that a boy and a donkey were among them , resolved that nothing but the arrival of his father should tear him from this now deeply interesting spot . `` I 'm in such a hurry to see the peacocks and hear them scream . She said they did , and that we 'd laugh when old Jack brayed , '' cried Bab , hopping about on one foot to work off her impatience . `` Is a faytun a kind of a bird ? I heard her say she could keep it in the coach-house , '' asked Betty , inquiringly . `` 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 XXXXX , 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 .
Bab Ben Betty Celia day faytun feather-beds garret noon streamin