Under the Lilacs (1878), by Louisa M. Alcott children's novel - illustrated

Under the Lilacs is a children's novel by Louisa May Alcott, first published in 1878. The story is about two girls, Bab and Betty Moss, Miss Celia, a circus runaway, Ben Brown, and his dog Sancho. When Bab and Betty decide to have a tea party with their dolls a mysterious dog comes and steals their prized cake. The girls find a circus run-away, Ben Brown, hiding in their play barn. Ben is a horse master, so when the Mosses take Ben in they find him work at a neighbour's house driving cows. Eventually Ben finds out his beloved father is dead. Miss Celia, a neighbour, comforts him and finally offers to let Ben stay with her and her fourteen-year-old brother Thornton. Many adventures and summer-happenings go on in Celia's house, as Ben slowly finds his place among his friends. Sancho gets lost, Ben is accused of stealing, Miss Celia gets hurt and Ben takes a wild ride on her horse, Lita. They have an archery competition, where Ben emerges as the winner.