Under the Lilacs

to breakfast on way-side grass before they were put into their pasture. Even then the pleasant lesson was not ended, for Ben had an errand to t

urned. The maple-tree closet was easily found, and a little surprise hidden under the flat stone; fo

vorite mates, but said nothing about the new arrangement, fearing it would be spoilt if generally known. They told their mother, however, and she gave them leave to lend their books and encourage Ben to love learning all they could. She also proposed that they should drop patch-work,

hirt-sleeves, sitting on their bench in the doorway, while the rusty needles creaked in and

s grew more and more distasteful. His only comfort was the knowledge that Mrs. Moss and the Squire were satisfied with him; his only pleasu

the bears and tigers she wanted if she would show him how to do sums on the flags, and often beguiled his lonely labors by trying to chant the multiplication table as they did. When Tuesday night came round, the Squire paid him a dollar, said he was "a likely boy," and might stay another week if he chose. Ben thanked him and thought he would; but the next morning, after he had put up the bars, he remained sitting on the top rail

tor had lost its charms, and a great pile of wood lay in the Squire's yard which he knew he would be set to piling up in the shed. Strawberry-pickin

ool-house entry to supply him with provisions if he didn't mind stealing them, what was easier than to run away again? Tramping has its charms in fair weather, and Ben had lived like a

never stop till we are tired." Swallows darted by, white clouds fled before the balmy west wind, a squirrel ran along the wall, and all things seemed to echo the boy's desire to leave toil behind and roam away as care-free as they. One thing restrained him, the th

ll long after. Just in the act of swinging himself over the bars to take a shortcut across the fields, the sound of approaching

ch of dandelions like yellow stars in her button-hole, and a silver-handled whip hanging from the pommel of her saddle, evidently more for ornament than use. The handsome mare

, I shall have to get off and take it out. Why don't

ager voice so unexpectedly, that both horse and ri

is as gentle as a lamb," answered the young lady

fting one foot after another till he found

tell me if that cross-road leads to the Elms?" aske

arts, and I only know where Sq

was here long ago, and thought I should remember how to find th

ere's a hedge of 'em all down the path and front wall. It's

f his first appearance there, and, as if his merriment

opious history of himself and new-made friends, led on by a kind look, an inquiring word, and sympathetic smile,

Laylocks, and this is t

e kind enough to give my love to Mrs. Morris, and tell the Squire Miss Celia i

hill to deliver his message, feeling as if something pleasant was going to

he could steal peeps into the dining-room, and see the curly brown head between the two gay ones, as the three sat round the table. He could not help hearing a word now and then, as the windows were open, and the

uite devoted in his attentions to the mare and her mistress, till she was mounted and off. But Miss Celia did not forget her little guide, and, spying a wistful face behind the wood-pile, paused at the gate and beckoned with that winning smile of her

you this for taking the

'em limp, 'specially such a pretty one as she is," ans

the Houyhnhnm language? I'm learning it, and it is very nice," laughed Miss Ce

I never wen

ut it when I come back. Mr. Gulliver went to the horse-c

but he didn't hear 'em speak. I know what they want without talkin',

d-by, my lad, we shall soon meet again," and away w

to. Hope she will come soon," thought Ben, watching till the last flutter of the blue habit vanished round the corner; and then he went back to his work with his head fu

de on the little horse, and kissed them both good-by when they went back to school. In the afternoon the lady was gone, the old house all open, and their mother sweeping, airing, i

y as soon as possible. All thought the prospect a charming one: Mrs. Moss, because life had been dull for her during the year she had taken charge of the old house; the little girls had heard rumors

She said they did, and that we'd laugh when old Jack brayed," c

d her say she could keep it in the co

en rolled in the grass, much ti

it is spelt with a p," added Bab, who liked to lay down the law on all occasions, and

riages. But what I want to know i

you are to bring her down. Squire came and told Ma all about it

ars that he had not proved himself untrustworth

ictures and books whenever we like. I know we can, Miss Celia is so kind," began Bet

to pick up your duds right away, for she won't want them cluttering round her front yard. If you are not t

ut them at the shady bower, the dear porch, and the winding walks where they

nd the yard always full of hens or clothes. We shall have to pack a

in the orchard," proposed Betty, who fir

baby-houses," returned Bab, collecting her ho

come; see if we do," said cheerful little Betty, w