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90 Dicky, who rejoiced that his favourite sister was safely arrived. The mother bird now went back to Pecksy, who was waiting with her father till she returned; for the good parent chose to leave the female part of his family to the particular management of their mother.

Pecksy was fully prepared for her flight, for she had attentively observed the instruction given to the others, and also their errors; she therefore kept the happy medium betwixt self-conceit and timidity, indulging that moderated emulation which ought to possess every young heart; and resolving that neither her inferiors nor equals should soar above her, she sprang from the ground, and, with a steadiness and agility wonderful for her first essay, followed her mother to the nest, who, instead of stopping to rest herself there, flew to a neighbouring tree, that she might be at hand to assist Robin, should he repent of his folly. But Robin disappointed her hopes, for he sat sulky; though convinced he had been in the wrong, he would not humble himself to his father, who therefore resolved to leave him a little while, and return to the nest.

As soon as Robin found himself deserted, instead