`` That 's as pretty a little span as I 've seen for a long time , '' said the elder Ben , as the children came trotting down the path hand in hand , with the four blue bows at the ends of their braids bobbing briskly up and down . `` The nigh one is my favorite , but the off one is the best goer , though she 's dreadfully hard bitted , '' answered Ben the younger , with such a comical assumption of a jockey 's important air that his father laughed as he said in an undertone , -- `` Come , boy , we must drop the old slang since we 've given up the old business . These good folks are making a gentleman of you , and I wo n't be the one to spoil their work . Hold on , my dears , and I 'll show you how they say good-morning in California , '' he added , beckoning to the little girls , who now came up rosy and smiling . `` Breakfast is ready , sir , '' said Betty , looking much relieved to find them . `` We thought you 'd run away from us , '' explained Bab , as both put out their hands to shake those extended to them . `` That would be a mean trick . But I 'm going to run away with you , '' and Mr. Brown whisked a little girl to either shoulder before they knew what had happened , while Ben , remembering the day , with difficulty restrained himself from turning a series of triumphant somersaults before them all the way to the door , where Mrs. Moss stood waiting for them . After breakfast Ben disappeared for a short time , and returned in his Sunday suit , looking so neat and fresh that his father surveyed him with surprise and pride as he came in full of boyish satisfaction in his trim array . `` Here 's a smart young chap ! Did you take all that trouble just to go to walk with old Daddy ? '' asked Mr. Brown , stroking the smooth head , for they were alone just then , Mrs. Moss and the children being up stairs preparing for church . `` I thought may be you 'd like to go to meeting first , '' answered Ben , looking up at him with such a happy face that it was hard to refuse any thing . `` I 'm too shabby , Sonny , else I 'd go in a minute to please you . '' `` Miss Celia said God did n't mind poor clothes , and she took me when I looked worse than you do . I always go in the morning ; she likes to have me , '' said Ben , turning his hat about as if not quite sure what he ought to do . `` Do you want to go ? '' asked his father in a tone of surprise . `` I want to please her , if you do n't mind . We could have our tramp this afternoon . ''
`` I have n't been to meeting since mother died , and it do n't seem to come easy , though I know I ought to , seeing I 'm alive and here , '' and Mr. XXXXX looked soberly out at the lovely autumn world as if glad to be in it after his late danger and pain .
Bab Ben Betty Brown California Celia Sonny dears goer undertone