I wanted the fun of beating, but I don't care a bit for this girl's thing and I'd rather see it on you." As he spoke, Ben offered the rosette of green ribbon which held the silver arrow, and Bab's eyes brightened as they fell upon the pretty ornament, for to her "the girl's thing" was almost as good as the victory.
"Oh no; you must wear it to show who won.

Miss Celia wouldn't like it.
I don't mind not getting it; I did better than all the rest, and I guess I shouldn't like to beat you," answered Bab, unconsciously putting into childish words the sweet generosity which makes so many sisters glad to see their brothers carry off the prizes of life, while they are content to know that they have earned them and can do without the praise.
But if Bab was generous, Ben was just; and though he could not explain the feeling, would not consent to take all the glory without giving his little friend a share.
"You must wear it; I shall feel real mean if you don't.

You worked harder than I did, and it was only luck my getting this.

Do, Bab, to please me," he persisted, awkwardly trying to fasten the ornament in the middle of Bab's' white apron.
"Then I will.

Now do you forgive me for losing Sancho ?" asked Bab, with a wistful look which made Ben say, heartily,-- "I did that when he came home." "And you don't think I'm horrid ?" "Not a bit of it; you are first-rate, and I'll stand by you like a man, for you are 'most as good as a boy!" cried Ben, anxious to deal handsomely with his feminine rival, whose skill had raised her immensely in his opinion.
Feeling that he could not improve that last compliment, Bab was fully satisfied, and let him leave the prize upon her breast, conscious that she had some claim to it.
"That is where it should be, and Ben is a true knight, winning the prize that he may give it to his lady, while he is content with the victory," said Miss Celia, laughingly, to Teacher, as the children ran off to join in the riotous games which soon made the orchard ring.
"He learned that at the circus 'tunnyments,' as he calls them.