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24 mother once more rejoiced that harmony reigned in the family.

A few days after, a fresh disturbance took place. All the little redbreasts, excepting Pecksy, in turn committed some fault or other, for which they were occasionally punished; but she was of so amiable a disposition, that it was her constant study to act with propriety, and avoid giving offence; on which account she was justly caressed by her parents with distinguished kindness. This excited the envy of the others, and they joined together to treat her ill, giving her the title of the Favourite; saying that they made no doubt that their father and mother would reserve the nicest morsels for their darling.

Poor Pecksy bore all their reproaches with patience, hoping that she should in time regain their good opinion by her gentleness and affection. But it happened one day that, in the midst of their tauntings, their mother unexpectedly returned, who, hearing an uncommon noise among her young ones, stopped on the ivy to learn the cause, and as soon as she discovered it, she made her appearance at the entrance of the nest, with a countenance that showed she knew what was going on.

"Are these the sentiments," said she, "that subsist in a family which ought to be bound together by love