`` Very good ! You must say them to Celia , too . She likes to hear Lita praised . You and she and that little Barlow boy ought to try for a prize , as the poets did in Athens . I 'll tell you all about it some time . Now , you peg away at your hymn . '' Cheered by Thorny 's commendation , Ben fell to work at his new task , squirming about in the chair as if the process of getting words into his memory was a very painful one . But he had quick wits , and had often learned comic songs ; so he soon was able to repeat the four verses without mistake , much to his own and Thorny 's satisfaction . `` Now we 'll talk , '' said the well-pleased preceptor ; and talk they did , one swinging in the hammock , the other rolling about on the pine-needles , as they related their experiences boy fashion . Ben 's were the most exciting ; but Thorny 's were not without interest , for he had lived abroad for several years , and could tell all sorts of droll stories of the countries he had seen . Busied with friends , Miss Celia could not help wondering how the lads got on ; and , when the tea-bell rang , waited a little anxiously for their return , knowing that she could tell at a glance if they had enjoyed themselves . `` All goes well so far , '' she thought , as she watched their approach with a smile ; for Sancho sat bolt upright in the chair which Ben pushed , while Thorny strolled beside him , leaning on a stout cane newly cut . Both boys were talking busily , and Thorny laughed from time to time , as if his comrade 's chat was very amusing . `` See what a jolly cane Ben cut for me ! He 's great fun if you do n't stroke him the wrong way , '' said the elder lad , flourishing his staff as they came up . `` What have you been doing down there ? You look so merry , I suspect mischief , '' asked Miss Celia , surveying them front the steps . `` We 've been as good as gold . I talked , and Ben learned a hymn to please you . Come , young man , say your piece , '' said Thorny , with an expression of virtuous content .
Taking off his hat , Ben soberly obeyed , much enjoying the quick color that came up in Miss Celia 's face as she listened , and feeling as if well repaid for the labor of learning by the pleased look with which she said , as he ended with a bow , -- `` I feel very proud to think you chose that , and to hear you XXXXX it as if it meant something to you .
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