Page:Story of the robins.djvu/218

202 "And shall we see the old redbreasts no more?" cried Frederick? "I do not know that you will," replied Mrs. Benson, "though it is not unlikely that they may visit us again in the winter; but let not their absence grieve you, my love, for I dare say they are safe and happy." At that instant the young ones arrived, and met with a very joyful reception. The amusement they afforded to Frederick soon reconciled him to the loss of their parents; but Harriet declared she could not help being sorry that they were gone. "I shall for the future, mamma," said she, "take notice of animals; for I have had much entertainment in observing the ways of these robins." "I highly approve of your resolution, my dear," said Mrs. Benson, "and hope the occasional instruction I have at different times given you has furnished you with general ideas respecting the proper treatment of animals. I will now inform you upon what principles the rules of conduct I prescribe to myself on this subject are founded.

"I consider that the same almighty and good Being who created mankind made all other living creatures likewise, and appointed them their different ranks in the creation, that they might form together a community, receiving and conferring reciprocal