t in delicacies enough to keep these four young
persons busily employed in disposing of them.

Every afternoon the great bamboo lounging chair was brought out and the
interesting invalid conducted to it by stout Randa, who was head nurse,
and followed by a train of shawl, cushion, foot-stool, and book
bearers, who buzzed about like swarming bees round a new queen. When
all were settled, the little maids sewed and the pages read aloud, with
much conversation by the way; for one of the rules was, that all should
listen attentively, and if any one did not understand what was read, he
or she should ask to have it explained on the spot. Whoever could
answer these questions was invited to do so, and at the end of the
reading Miss Celia could ask any she liked, or add any explanations
which seemed necessary. In this way much pleasure and profit was
extracted from the tales Ben and Thorny read, and much unexpected
knowledge as well as ignorance displayed, not to mention piles of
neatly hemmed towels for which Bab and Betty were paid like regular
sewing-women.

So vacation was not all play, and the little girls found their picnics,
berry parties, and "goin' a visitin'," all the more agreeable for the
quiet hour spent with Miss Celia. Thorny had improved wonderfully, and
was getting to be quite energetic, especially since his sister's
accident; for while she was laid up he was the head of the house, and
much enjoyed his promotion. But Ben did not seem to flourish as he had
done at first. The loss of Sancho preyed upon him sadly, and the
longing to go and find his dog grew into such a strong temptation that
he could hardly resist it. He said little about it; but now and then a
word escaped him which might have enlightened any one who chanced to be
watching him. No one was, just then, so he brooded over this fancy, day
by day, in silence and solitude, for there was no riding and driving
now. Thorny was busy with his sister trying to show her that he
remembered how good she had been to him when he was ill, and the
little girls had their own affairs.

Miss Celia was the first to observe the change, having nothing to do
but lie on a sofa and amuse herself by seeing others work or play. Ben
was bright enough at the readings, because then he forgot his troubles;
but when they were over and his various duties done, he went to his own
room or sought consolation with Lita, being sober and quiet, and quite
unlike the merry monkey all kne