BIRDS' NESTS. 151 



encouraging her sons to rob nests, did not go 

 to birds for a lesson in neatness, patience and 

 industry, yes, and carefulness too in bringing 

 up her family ! Don't you think, Henry, that 

 a wren may be as happy in her hole of a nest, 

 as you would be here ? " 



Before an answer could be given, the mis- 

 tress of the house made her appearance. 



" I am afraid, Sir, that you think me a very 

 dirty woman ; " said Mrs. Johnson, as she pro- 

 ceeded to wipe with her apron one of the 

 chairs which seemed somewhat less crazy than 

 the rest. 



Now, though Mr. Miller had no intention of 

 beginning the conversation by remarking on 

 the untidy condition of the house, he was far 

 too honest to say that it was not dirty, and too 

 anxious for the welfare of the people about 

 him, to suggest an excuse for culpable negli- 

 gence ; he replied therefore, 



<( Why, indeed, I am sorry to be obliged to 

 say, that it is rather dirty." Mrs. Johnson, 



