286 GRAY LADY AND THE BIRDS 
standing being plainly reached during the seventeen days 
of cage courtship. Louis brought food to Louise, and 
they had all things in common, except liberty. 
April 12, in the early morning, the cage was taken out- 
of-doors, and Louise was set free. She was quick to em- 
brace her chance, and flew into the neighbouring shrub- 
bery. For six days she revelled in her new-found freedom, 
Louis, meanwhile, coming and going as of old, and often 
carrying away seeds from the house to share with his 
mate. 
April 16, he lured her into the house, and after that 
they came often for food, flying fearlessly in at the win- 
dow, and delighting their friends with their songs and 
charming ways. Louis invariably gave the choicest 
morsels to his mate, and the course of true love seemed to 
cross the adage; but, alas! Death was already adjusting 
an arrow for that shining mark. 
April 25, Louise stayed in the house all day, going out 
at nightfall. Again the following day she remained in- 
doors, Louis feeding her; but her excellent appetite dis- 
armed suspicion, and it was thought that she had taken 
refuge from the cold and rain, especially as she spent the 
night within. The third morning, April 27, she died. An 
examination of her body showed three dreadful wounds. 
Louis came twittering to the window, but was not let 
in until a day or two later, when a new bird, “ Louisa,” 
had been put in the cage. When he saw the familiar 
form, he evidently thought his lost love restored, for he 
burst into glorious song; but, soon discovering his mis- 
take, he stopped short in his hallelujahs, and walked 
around the cage inspecting the occupant. 
