Page:Story of the robins.djvu/62

 48 and mother, to be fed in the parlour." He then, under the conduct of his friend Joe, descended.

Joe next addressed Miss Harriet: "Now, my young mistress," said he, "will you go up?" As the steps of the ladder were broad, and the nest was not high, Miss Benson ventured to go up, and was equally delighted with her brother, but so fearful of terrifying the little birds and alarming the old ones, that she would only indulge herself with a peep at the nest. Frederick inquired how she liked the young robins. "They are sweet creatures," said she, "and I hope they will soon join our party of birds, for they appear to me ready to fly. But let us return to mamma, for you know we promised her to stay but a little while; besides, we hinder Joe from his work." "Never mind that," said the honest fellow; "master won't be angry, I'm sartain; and if I thought he would, I would work an hour later to fetch up lost time." "Thank you, Joe," replied Harriet, "but I am sure papa would not desire you to do so."

At this instant Frederick perceived the two red-breasts, who were returning from their proposed excursion, and called to his sister to observe them. He was very desirous to watch whether they would go back to their nest, but she would on no account consent to stay, lest her mamma should be displeased,