But it was not good for you , and we will do our best to find something safer . Do n't be discouraged ; and , when things trouble you , come to me as Thorny does , and I 'll try to straighten them out for you . I 've got two boys now , and I want to do my duty by both . '' Before Ben had time for more than a grateful look , a tumbled head appeared at an upper window , and a sleepy voice drawled out , -- `` Celia ! I ca n't find a bit of a shoe-string , and I wish you 'd come and do my neck-tie . '' `` Lazy boy , come down here , and bring one of your black ties with you . Shoe-strings are in the little brown bag on my bureau , '' called back Miss Celia ; adding , with a laugh , as the tumbled head disappeared mumbling something about `` bothering old bags '' , `` Thorny has been half spoiled since he was ill . You must n't mind his fidgets and dawdling ways . He 'll get over them soon , and then I know you two will be good friends . '' Ben had his doubts about that , but resolved to do his best for her sake ; so , when Master Thorny presently appeared , with a careless `` How are you , Ben ? '' that young person answered respectfully , -- `` Very well , thank you , '' though his nod was as condescending as his new master 's ; because he felt that a boy who could ride bareback and turn a double somersault in the air ought not to `` knuckle under '' to a fellow who had not the strength of a pussy-cat . `` Sailor 's knot , please ; keeps better so , '' said Thorny , holding up his chin to have a blue-silk scarf tied to suit him , for he was already beginning to be something of a dandy . `` You ought to wear red till you get more color , dear ; '' and his sister rubbed her blooming cheek against his pale one , as if to lend him some of her own roses . `` Men do n't care how they look , '' said Thorny , squirming out of her hold , for he hated to be `` cuddled '' before people . `` Oh , do n't they ? Here 's a vain boy who brushes his hair a dozen times a day , and quiddles over his collar till he is so tired he can hardly stand , '' laughed Miss Celia , with a little tweak of his ear . `` I should like to know what this is for ? '' demanded Thorny , in a dignified tone , presenting a black tie . `` For my other boy . He is going to church with me , '' and Miss Celia tied a second knot for this young gentleman , with a smile that seemed to brighten up even the rusty hat-band .
`` Well , I like that -- '' began Thorny , in a XXXXX that contradicted his words .
bit boys color duty master person roses sister somersault tone