Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-07-27
"I thought you'd like the. c best, re

| Pheu nirs. heiDreast, meek y.
"Well," said he, ungraciously.
they'll do. And seeing I vc staid here
all day perhaps I'd better have little
fly before dark. il you'll take my pl,ce."
81 would, my dear. but unfortu-
nately. l promised to stay with Cousin
Robins wife awhile this evening She
is not feeling well. and Robi will be
staid at home all day yesterday. and /
didn't complain did II"
Il didn't hear you" replied his wife.
At which Rcdbreast became aware OF
n little feeling OF guilt, that crept over
him Mt The remembrance Of his disp.eas.
ure OF the previous evening. Dat 1t was
very little feeling. which the bright
sunlight s,on dispelled, while his wife
went on:
Just wait till you've tried IL as long
as / have! Then. perhaps, you won't
think it is so nice. However. I'm glad
to have you satisfied. for Ike your part
much the best. It is so sunshiny,
think I'll go across the city and give my
old uncle and aunt crn. I haven't
seen them since they came north, but l
hear they're in their old quarters"
INDEPENDENTLY you don't expect
to 10 away to-day ?" Redbreast stam-
mered. in sone trcpidation,
Certainly! Why not. rray' Since
you enjoy staying ut home. soc nothing
TO hinder" and away flew the little wife
with the parting Injunction, he sure
and keep the eggs warm"
Redbreast made no reply. He kept
quiet until his wife was lost in the dis
tancc, and then he was of the nest in
twinklinp, stretching his wings and
pluming his feathers in the brightest
sunshine.
TOO pleasant to stay here" he twit-
tered. How can I manage itp"
A couple of friends flew past.
That settled the question.
"IIl have just little hy." he said.
"I'm 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 to
visit his friends, the Orioles, who were
building nest across the park. 1t Is
true he meant 10 stay just little while,
but he found them SO entertaining that
home matters were forgotten. and the
hours sped ON rs he and his companions
darted through the breezy air or stop
ped to give impromptu concerts in the
NAPLES.
In the course OF the afternoon he spied
bis wife pcrchcd on tree near him.
chatting with sociable sparrow, and
bidding his friends histy adieu he
took short cut fer his deserted nest
He had lust established himself when
his wife few up.
There" she exclaimed, II knew
Mrs. Sparrow must be mistaken. She
was certain that she saw you 20 by this
morning; but told her it could not
be possible. Those spar.ows are
gossipy set, anyway"
"It is an easy thing TO be mistaken"
returned Redbreast, with guilty feel.
ing at his heart.
Are you sick?" anxiously inquired
his wife, when lie refused the nice din
ner she had brought him.
Redbreast's assurances that he was
perfectly well only hsI satisfied her,
but she would not have wondered at
the lack OF appetite htd she known Of
Che numerous lunches he had taken
since morning.
So the days wore on. Mrs. Red
breast made no advances To resume her
rightful position, and her husband
would have been most miserable indeed
had he not managed things in his own
way. Every morning as soon rs his
wife was out Of sight he. too, would
leave the nest, arguing that the sun
would keep the eggs warm. and tax
ing care to be at his post when she re-
turned.
One unlucky day. however, the charm.
ing young Widow Oriole was SO engag
ing that wife and nest we're for q time
forgotten, and Mrs. Redbreast reached
home carrier than usual. to find her hus-
band gone an d the five blue eggs with
out a protector.
$50 this is the way you care for my
precious eggsT' she cried. when the
truant made his appearance.
Indeed" he protested. 81 only went
off for little fly. TO stretch my wingsi
The eggs haven't taken the least
hurt"
"Pray. how do know! ! haven't
doubt that they are spoiled entirely;
for I'm sure 1t isn't the first time. Mrs.
Robin anc Mrs. Wren haYe told me OF
your flying of a. SION as was out Of
sight. but I've always stood up for You
and never would believe . word Of It,"
II wis b the neighbors would mind
their own affairs!" Redbreast snapped
out. II rather think l know how eggs
should be treated as we'll as Mrs. Robin
or Mrs. Wren."
"WelL" said his wife. in sorrowful
tone, ~ hope they haven't taken any
harm. But don't know. Inever ls6
them. Perhaps I'd better attend b
them after this"
~ think It would be the best way"
responded Redbreast, rejoicing that he
had escaped 80 easily.
After that the little wife sat on the
nest patiently and uncomplainingly day
after day. But the weeks passed and NO