The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1900-12-01
The Robins Lunch Party,

MI. hOuiu WIS up tiIbN
that morning. IT'S oing to b. n b au
tiful day" he thought. II believe III
give my lunch party. Ever since th
Orio,e came. I've meant to; and her,
weeks and weeks have fled Th,
Summer'll be gone before | know it,
SO he hoped about and flew about t
invite his guests. First. he must Sc
cure the one in whose honor the luncl
was to be.
Mr.. Baltimore Oriele," he began
and the oriole. who pridcd himself or
wearing the colors Of nobility. twisted
his neck and preened his yellow feath
crs,-''it would give me pleasure tc
have you lunch with me this afternoon
at two. willinvite n couple Of select
friends to meet you,-Nliss Humming
bird and Mr.. Sparrow, Just u cosey
party of four
The oriOle rather demurred at the
sparrow. Il didn't suppose that fam
lily was very select" he said
why. they're English" the robin re-
piled anxicusiy
Yes: they're English. but decidedly
middle-class. However. we can't keep
up all the distinctions in this country"
he sighed. May l ask who is your
caterer:'
Robin Redbreast was much in a nut-
ter by this time with all these high
bred airs. and he only caught at the
first letters of this strange word.
There won't be any cat there: at least.
! hope not!' His voice was shrlll with
fear.
II said 'ca-ter-er.' the oriole cor
rected in his lofty manner. Perhaps
you don't have such persons here; hut
they are the ones who provide swell
lunches, set the tables, take all the
trouble off YOU
"Oh" Mr.. Robin exclaimed, over.
joyed to find himself in the fashion.
Indeed have a 'ca-ter-er.' as you call
it. She's the dearest little girl in the
world; and in her home they call her
Bessie. though sometimes I've heard
another name that sounded like Oar
ing"
The oriole was mollificd by this. and
accepted the invitation with a really
winning grace.
"lve forgotten to tell you where thc
lunch will be served" said Robin. "Do
you see the house on the hill? Our
fa hIo will Iva that l,rooI win dow. Io6ro
where the window is opened and lace
curtain is swinging behind
Then he flew off to find the hum
ming bird. She said: ''I'll be only too
pleased to come; but you won't mind
If I'm a little restless. and flutter about
between the courses? AS a family.
were rather nervous. you know
Mr.. Robin politely protested that her
wouldn't upset them IN
the least If they might only have her
beautiful presence.
The sparrow was simply delighted
TO be asked in such fine company. He
was used to being snubbed. Really,
the robin had made the sparrow's ac-
1uaintance on this same window ledge,
md thought him not such bad fel-
ow after all Bessie. the Darling had
scattered crumbs for the evil and the
good alike.
Mr.. Robin was promptly ut hand to
'eceive his guests. and very proud Of
he lunch. as indeed, he had good
'eason to be. There was bread but
cred. a bit Of meat. cake,--two kinds.
a raisin, Il half-doZen fresh raspber- |
les. and some sweet liquid that had |
,een ice-cream.
Quite foreign Dishes" the guest OF |
lonor condescended to say. and a
'leasing change from our own cuisine"
Ie bowed to Miss Humming bid.
Your health. madam" And tog ether
hey put their bills into the cream.
The sparrow had hard work not to
e greedy among so many good things.
ut by great self-cOntrOl he did no dis
redit to his host.
When scarce crumh was left for
Oliteness, there was movement at
'indow curtain. Mss Humming- bird
to a tree near by. and the
riole was visibly disturbed.
Don't be alarmed" said the robin,
Dyously. 1T is only my ca-ter-er, and
be wouldn't hurt IL fly
Sure enough, the curtain parted. ana
dear little girl smiled through the
pening. Then she gently laid four
lmps of white sugar on the birds
lble.
Miss Humming bird was back - Ter
lace in fash; and they all said. She
A darling, indeed
Your lunch has been decided sue
,ss." Mr. Baltimore Oriolc declared,
they took leave. which made Mr..
chin Redbrcast very happy.
But nobody was happier than the
4. Hawlcy, in New
ork Evangelist.
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