Downs and Dungeons 107 



" Do you really mean you can't sing at 

 all? 



I used to sing on the Downs," said the 

 Linnet at last, "but not like that." 



44 No, no," said the Canary ; 44 that's not to 

 be expected from such as you one must have 

 advantages, of course, to sing well. A natural 

 gift, to begin with ; and that only comes when 

 you are well born. You see I come of a good 

 stock of singers. My father sang at the Crystal 

 Palace Show, and won a prize. I have heard 

 the dealer say that we have a pedigree going 

 up for generations, and of course we improve 

 as we go on, because each of us gets the 

 benefit of the education of all our ancestors. 

 Just let me show you what birth and education 

 can do." And he set off once more with such 

 terrific energy that the cobbler over the way 

 seized an unfinished boot, and looked as if he 

 meant to hurl it at the cage. 



Fortunately the Canary ceased at that moment, 

 and turned again to the Linnet. 



44 You said you used to sing on the Downs. 

 Pray, what are the Downs, and why can't you 



