Now show me the baker 's , the candy-shop , and the post-office , '' said Miss Celia , as they rattled down the main street of the village . Ben made himself useful ; and when all the other errands were done , received his reward in the shape of a new pair of shoes and a straw hat with a streaming blue ribbon , on the ends of which shone silvery anchors . He was also allowed to drive home , while his new mistress read her letters . One particularly long one , with a queer stamp on the envelope , she read twice , never speaking a word till they got back . Then Ben was sent off with Lita and the Squire 's letters , promising to get his chores done in time for tea . CHAPTER IX A HAPPY TEA Exactly five minutes before six the party arrived in great state , for Bab and Betty wore their best frocks and hair-ribbons , Ben had a new blue shirt and his shoes on as full-dress , and Sancho 's curls were nicely brushed , his frills as white as if just done up . No one was visible to receive them , but the low table stood in the middle of the walk , with four chairs and a foot-stool around it . A pretty set of green and white china caused the girls to cast admiring looks upon the little cups and plates , while Ben eyed the feast longingly , and Sancho with difficulty restrained himself from repeating his former naughtiness . No wonder the dog sniffed and the children smiled , for there was a noble display of little tarts and cakes , little biscuits and sandwiches , a pretty milk-pitcher shaped like a white calla rising out of its green leaves , and a jolly little tea-kettle singing away over the spirit-lamp as cosily as you please . `` Is n't it perfectly lovely ? '' whispered Betty , who had never seen any thing like it before . `` I just wish Sally could see us now , '' answered Bab , who had not yet forgiven her enemy . `` Wonder where the boy is , '' added Ben , feeling as good as any one , but rather doubtful how others might regard him . Here a rumbling sound caused the guests to look toward the garden , and in a moment Miss Celia appeared , pushing a wheeled chair , in which sat her brother . A gay afghan covered the long legs , a broad-brimmed hat half hid the big eyes , and a discontented expression made the thin face as unattractive as the fretful voice , which said , complainingly , -- `` If they make a noise , I 'll go in . Do n't see what you asked them for . '' `` To amuse you , dear . I know they will , if you will only try to like them , '' whispered the sister , smiling , and nodding over the chair-back as she came on , adding aloud , `` Such a punctual party ! I am all ready , however , and we will sit down at once . This is my brother Thornton , and we are all going to be very good friends by-and-by .
Here 's the droll XXXXX , Thorny ; is n't he nice and curly ? ''
boy curls dog enemy feast friends home leaves one table