140 THE BRIDE WON. 



matter was settled before we mortals were out 

 of bed, in the magic morning hours when so 

 many interesting things go on in bird and beast 

 life. When I came out, I saw at once that a 

 decision had been reached. The younger bird 

 had won his bride, and with much talk and 

 love-making the happy pair were busying them- 

 selves about a building spot. This first day of 

 their honeymoon was not, however, very peace- 

 ful ; old troubles are not so soon forgotten, and 

 the discarded suitor found it hard to believe 

 that the repulse was final and he really should 

 not have his own way. He frequently made 

 his appearance in the old scenes, making him- 

 self agreeable in the usual way ; but the newly 

 wedded were now a pair, and when both flung 

 themselves upon him he recognized at last the 

 inevitable, no longer resented it, and left them 

 in peace. 



With much talk and discussion the tree that 

 had been the scene of the stormy wooing was 

 selected for the homestead, and the young wife 

 at once set to work upon the foundation, while 

 her spouse in his new r61e of lord and master 

 stood on a higher twig and gave his opinions ; 

 much advice, no doubt, and plenty of instruc- 

 tion. I doubt his mastery, however, for I no- 

 ticed that, though meek, madam had a mind 

 of her own and an orchard oriole's persistence 



