Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-07-14

In short time E7 turned, bringing s
billful of shreds.
81 think" said he. perhaps Id bette
procure the material. for it ism expected
that you would know rs well as what t.
get"
Mrs. Redbreast WINGED n little at thi
statement, but wisely concluded it wa
best not to notice it, and only said
"You may bring what you can; but
know where there is some nice fresh hay
and while | am waiting I'll fly and ge
it."
So. working together, all went we'll unit
the nest was completed. Then Mrs. Red
breast staid ut home, and in a short time
there were five pretty blue eggs lying
snug and warm beneath her feather
The little wife was very proud of them
SILL. it began to grow very irksome tc
sit on the nest day after day, and she was
often so fretful and cross that her husband
found it much pleasanter to be row
ing over the park than to sit and listen tc
complaints from her, and he remained al
hope less. Mrs. Redbreast felt sorely
tried.
ut is shame" she began one night
you can be off having good time while
SIT here alone from sunrise to sunset
| think you might once in while stay
ut home with me-"
Indeed, my dear, am oblgel to 90
away to get food for you! Pray, what
would become of you if did notp Pm
sure you have n pretty easy time of it
while l have to fly all over the city to get
you nice things to eat-and You are a
great eater, my dear, if do say it! |
shouldn't consider it very hard if 1 could
sit here all day, as you can. with nothing
in the world 10 do. If you were in my
place you might complain, but try to be
patient, though | get tired, very tired
indeed, Mrs. Redbreast.'
You were not too tired to attend the
Sunset concert last night" retorted Mrs.
Redbreast, grimly.
Now you talk very foolishly. 1t was
necessary for me to be there. l had u
prominent part to perform. 1t would
have been entirely out of place for me to
refuse. Besides l don't intend to be
laughed at for staying at home with my
wife,
"No danger of that at present. replied
Mrs, Redbreast, bitterly. "And, since
you think | have so pleasant Il time,
suppose you sit on the nest tomorrow and
give me little change. You can keep
the eggs warm as well as l, and you will
have chance to rest"
Redbreast cooked his head on one side,
and then rubbed his beak against twig
in some confusion. The proposition
rather took him back. lie managed to
offer a few weak objections which were at
once set aside by his wife, and the result
was that the next morning he relinquished
his freedom with an inward sigh, while
Mrs Redbreast flew away in high feather.
He saw no more of her till late in the
day, when she brought his supper.
You don't know how to provide for
other peoples wants." he grumbled.
You get such big worms; they are not
tender at all. | always brought you little
ones"
81 thought you'd like these best" re-
piled Mrs. Redbreast, meekly.
"Wel,' said he ungraciously, they'll
do. And seeing I've staid here all day
perhaps I'd better have little fly before
dark, if you'll take my place."
81 would, my dear, but unfortunately.
promised to stay with cousin Robin S
wife awhile this evening. She is not
feeling well, and Robin will be gone till
after sundown. So good-byen
This arrangement did not please Red
breast lie fretted and fumed for a time,
but as there was nobody to hear him it
soon ceased to be a satisfaction.
Il &c Al L.
thought; and then feeling rather dull, he
tucked his head under his wing and took
a nap.
On the following morning, as he was
planning in his little head great many
delightful things for the day, his wife
asked suddenly:
How do you en- Joy your rest at home:
Do you find doing nothing as pleasant as
yon thought?'
II dou't know that I've changed my
opinion" he replied, curtly. "lt's much
the easier part of the two, and can't see
any reason for your complaints. stale
at home all day yesterday. and l didn't
complain did II"
Il didn't hear you," replied his wife.
At which Redbreast became aware of
u little feeling of guilt, that crept over
him at the remembrance of his displeas-
ure of the previous evening. But it was a
very little feeling. which the bright sun
light soon dispelled, while his wife went
on:
Just wait till you've tried it as long as
l havep Their, perhaps. you won't think
it so nice. However, I'm glad to have
you satisfied, for | like your part mucl
the best. 1t is so sunshiny, | think I'll
go across the city and give my old uncle
and aunt call. l haven't seen them
since they came north, but hear they
in their old quarters"
"Why-you-surely you don't expect
TO 90 away to.dayP" Redbreast STAN.
merered, in some trepidation.
Certainly! Why not, prayP Since you
enjoy staying at home, | see nothing tC
hinder" and away flew the little wife
with the parting injunction, "Be sure and
keep the eggs warm"
Redbreast made no reply. He kept
quiet until his wife was lost in the dis
tance, and then he was off the nest in /;
twinkling, stretching his wings and plu
ming his feathers in the brightest sun
shine.
Too pleasant to stay here" he twitter
ed. "How can | manage it?"
A couple of friends flew past.
That settled the question.
"I'll have Just q little fly" he said.
Pm sure the eggs can't get cold in this
warm air. Mrs. Redbreast is altogether
too irrational"
A moment later he was on his way tc
visit his friends, the Orioles, who were
building nest across the park. 1t is
true he meant to stay just little while
but he found them so entertaining that
home matters were forgotten, and the
hours sped on as he and his companions
dmted through the breezy air or stopped
to give impromptu concerts in the ma
pies.
In the course of tho afternoon he spiet
his wife perched on tree near him
chatting with IL sociable sparrow, and
bidding his friends hasty adieu he took
II short cut for his deserted nest. He had
just established himself when his wife
flew up
"There!" she exclaimed, II knew Mrs
Sparrow must be mistaken. She was
certain that she SAW you 90 by this morn
ing; but told her it could not be possible
Those sparrows are gossipy set, any
way"
ut is IN easy thing to be mistaken,
q a.