Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/42

20 morning about eight days after the trip to Hengist Hill, feeding her little troop of carrier pigeons. Her golden hair fell over her shoulders in two shining braids, her eyes  sparkled, and her cheeks glowed with the  pleasure of her occupation. Upon her shoulders, her hands, and even her head perched the feathered pets, so tame that they fairly  disputed among themselves for the privilege  of her attention. The dove-cote was a room on the top floor of the little house in Belfry  Lane. The sun streamed in brightly through the large open window, the walls were lined  with boxes serving as nests, and every detail  of the room was, through the untiring efforts  of Jacqueline, as neat and immaculate as a  new pin.

Suddenly the door opened and Gysbert, hatless and panting, stood on the threshold.

“Ah, Jacqueline!” he exclaimed, with true artist’s instinct. “What a beautiful picture thou dost make, standing there in the sunlight with the pigeons all around thee! Had