no ODD HOURS WITH NATURE 



" Brute ! " she exclaimed with a sob. " You 

 have the heart to jest, and I shut out of house 

 and home." 



That took the laugh out of him, and they kissed 

 and made it up. But the great fact stood out now 

 in both brains that a cruel, heartless eviction had 

 taken place. 



The succeeding conference in the rose-tree was 

 long and solemn. The possible causes of the 

 catastrophe were debated, and when the torn-tit 

 attributed everything to the vernal equinox his 

 partner agreed that he had had an inspiration. 

 But practical considerations asserted themselves. 



" Another hole must be found," said the torn-tit. 



" Something within tells me that it must be 

 found at once," replied his wife. 



Isn't it horrible," went on the gentleman, " and 

 me so partial to this garden? I was hatched in 

 that hole." 



" I wonder," queried the lady, " if anything 

 could be made of this new hole? I hate novelties, 

 but good holes are scarce." 



Thereupon she hopped on to the top of the box, 

 and applied first her left and then her right eye 

 to the aperture. 



" Looks rather nice and dry," was her com- 

 ment. 



" I can't endure damp," said he. 



" None here," the lady proceeded. " Situation 

 nice and airy, in close proximity to all the best 

 fruit trees. Lighting just right." 



" What about cats? " 



" Might have been made to keep them out," 



