THE BLUEBIRD 199 



The bluebird, finding her eggs gone and her nest 

 changed, seemed suddenly seized with alarm and 

 shunned the box ; or else, finding she had less need 

 for another husband than she thought, repented her 

 rashness and wanted to dissolve the compact. But 

 the happy bridegroom would not take the hint, and 

 exerted all his eloquence to comfort and reassure 

 her. He was fresh and fond, and until this be- 

 reaved female found him I am sure his suit had not 

 prospered that season. He thought the box just 

 the thing, and that there was no need of alarm, and 

 spent days in trying to persuade the female back. 

 Seeing he could not be a stepfather to a family, he 

 was quite willing to assume a nearer relation. He 

 hovered about the box, he went in and out, he 

 called, he warbled, he entreated; the female would 

 respond occasionally and come and alight near, and 

 even peep into the nest, but would not enter it, and 

 quickly flew away again. Her mate would reluc- 

 tantly follow, but he was soon back, uttering the 

 most confident and cheering calls. If she did not 

 come he would perch above the nest and sound his 

 loudest notes over and over again, looking in the 

 direction of his mate and beckoning with every 

 motion. But she responded less and less frequently. 

 Some days I would see him only, but finally he gave 

 it up; the pair disappeared, and the box remained 

 deserted the rest of the summer. 



1867. 



