Sancho seemed to understand that his master was in trouble , and listened to the sad little story with gurgles of interest , whines of condolence , and intelligent barks whenever the word `` daddy '' was uttered . He was only a brute , but his dumb affection comforted the boy more than any words ; for Sanch had known and loved `` father '' almost as long and well as his son , and that seemed to draw them closely together , now they were left alone . `` We must put on mourning , old feller . It 's the proper thing , and there 's nobody else to do it now , '' said Ben , as he dressed , remembering how all the company wore bits of crape somewhere about them at ` Melia 's funeral . It was a real sacrifice of boyish vanity to take the blue ribbon with its silver anchors off the new hat , and replace it with the dingy black band from the old one ; but Ben was quite sincere in doing this , though doubtless his theatrical life made him think of the effect more than other lads would have done . He could find nothing in his limited wardrobe with which to decorate Sanch except a black cambric pocket . It was already half torn out of his trousers with the weight of nails , pebbles , and other light trifles ; so he gave it a final wrench and tied it into the dog 's collar , saying to himself , as he put away his treasures , with a sigh , -- `` One pocket is enough ; I sha 'n' t want anything but a han ` k ` chi ' f to-day . '' Fortunately , that article of dress was clean , for he had but one ; and , with this somewhat ostentatiously drooping from the solitary pocket , the serious hat upon his head , the new shoes creaking mournfully , and Sanch gravely following , much impressed with his black bow , the chief mourner descended , feeling that he had done his best to show respect to the dead . Mrs. Moss 's eyes filled as she saw the rusty band , and guessed why it was there ; but she found it difficult to repress a smile when she beheld the cambric symbol of woe on the dog 's neck . Not a word was said to disturb the boy 's comfort in these poor attempts , however ; and he went out to do his chores , conscious that he was an object of interest to his friends , especially so to Bab and Betty , who , having been told of Ben 's loss , now regarded him with a sort of pitying awe very grateful to his feelings . `` I want you to drive me to church by-and-by . It is going to be pretty warm , and Thorny is hardly strong enough to venture yet , '' said Miss Celia , when Ben ran over after breakfast to see if she had any thing for him to do ; for he considered her his mistress now , though he was not to take possession of his new quarters till the morrow . `` Yes , 'm , I 'd like to , if I look well enough , '' answered Ben , pleased to be asked , but impressed with the idea that people had to be very fine on such occasions . `` You will do very well when I have given you a touch . God does n't mind our clothes , Ben , and the poor are as welcome as the rich to him . You have not been much , have you ? '' asked Miss Celia , anxious to help the boy , and not quite sure how to begin . `` No , 'm ; our folks did n't hardly ever go , and father was so tired he used to rest Sundays , or go off in the woods with me . '' A little quaver came into Ben 's voice as he spoke , and a sudden motion made his hat-brim hide his eyes , for the thought of the happy times that would never come any more was almost too much for him . `` That was a pleasant way to rest .
I often do so , and we will XXXXX to the grove this afternoon and try it .
came decorate drooping filled following given go known remembering said