was cut short in the middle . `` I s ` pose he means that we shall have a piece of Ben 's father , because we gave Ben a piece of our mother , '' said Betty , softly . `` Of course he does , and it 's all fair , '' answered Bab , decidedly . `` Is n't he a nice man , Ma ? `` Go to bed , children , '' was all the answer she got ; but when they were gone , Mrs. Moss , as she washed up her dishes , more than once glanced at a certain nail where a man 's hat had not hung for five years , and thought with a sigh what a natural , protecting air that slouched felt had . If one wedding were not quite enough for a child 's story , we might here hint what no one dreamed of then , that before the year came round again Ben had found a mother , Bab and Betty a father , and Mr. Brown 's hat was quite at home behind the kitchen door . But , on the whole , it is best not to say a word about it . CHAPTER XXIV THE GREAT GATE IS OPENED The Browns were up and out so early next morning that Bab and Betty were sure they had run away in the night . But on looking for them , they were discovered in the coach-house criticising Lita , both with their hands in their pockets , both chewing straws , and looking as much alike as a big elephant and a small one . `` 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 XXXXX being up stairs preparing for church .
Ma air bed boy children folks sir slang span work