SOME HUMBLE ORCHIDS 147 



also, for the notes appeared to come from two 

 parts of the tree at once. Instantly Flower Hat 

 was on the alert, her sensitive ear rejoicing in the 

 melody. In spite of the briars which enviously 

 clutched at her rose garland and ribbons, she leaned 

 gradually backward, until her head almost touched 

 the ground, and peered up into the tree. 



Meanwhile I, by stretching the other way, dis- 

 covered the singer, or, rather, singers for there 

 were two of them splendid orchard orioles, brave 

 in chestnut -and -black suits. They were first sing- 

 ing at each other and then swaying sidewise to- 

 ward some unseen object, going through the most 

 remarkable gestures, opening and closing their wings 

 and using them like arms, with all the impressive 

 agony of tenors of the opera. Suddenly they 

 stopped, gave a few scolding notes, launched at 

 each other savagely, then flew to some tall black- 

 berry canes where we could watch them easily, and 

 striking effective attitudes, recommenced their song 

 with frantic vigor. 



"What can all this be about?" Flower Hat 

 whispered. 



" Cbercbez la femmef" I answered, pointing to 

 an Elder Bush. 



"It is too late in the season for courting," she 



