SHE WAS COQUETTISH 243 



dress was the same, I had no difficulty in dis- 

 tinguishing the pair. She was all airs and 

 flirty ways, posturing, flitting about with 

 tail held up at an angle (though never, as usu- 

 ally pictured, pointing, to ward the head). 



The bridegroom appeared somewhat sub- 

 dued, and I began to fear that life was not 

 all roses to the poor little fellow. She was, 

 it must be admitted, a little coquettish, and 

 made my gentleman keep his distance, greet- 

 ing him with a sharp note if he came too near, 

 and sometimes pretending to fly at him, upon 

 which he quietly retired a few inches, still 

 evidently regarding her with admiration and 

 devotion. 



Once I saw her bathe. There had been a 

 quiet rain without wind, and every leaf was 

 loaded with water. She flew from her nest to 

 a fruit-tree, rubbed against a bunch of leaves, 

 and then fluttered and shook herself violently. 

 This she repeated until wet as she desired, 

 when she gave herself up to an elaborate 

 dressing and arranging of her draperies. 



I could not stay to see this charming pair 

 through their honeymoon, nor what was 

 more important to protect the little home 



