THE BLUEBIRD 199 
The bluebird, finding her eggs gone and her nest 
changed, seemed suddenly seized with alarm and 
shunned the box; or else, finding she had less need 
for another husband than she thought, repented her 
rashness and wanted to dissolve the compact. But 
the happy bridegroom would not take the hint, and, 
exerted all his eloquence to comfort and reassure 
her. He was fresh and fond, and until this be- 
reaved female found him I am sure his suit had not 
prospered that season. He thought the box just 
the thing, and that there was no need of alarm, and 
spent days in trying to persuade the female back. 
Seeing he could not be a stepfather to a family, he 
was quite willing to assume a nearer relation. He 
hovered about the box, he went in and out, he 
called, he warbled, he entreated; the female would 
respond occasionally and come and alight near, and 
even peep into the nest, but would not enter it, and 
quickly flew away again. Her mate would reluc- 
tantly follow, but he was soon back, uttering the 
most confident and cheering calls. If she did not 
come he would perch above the nest and sound his 
loudest notes over and over again, looking in the 
direction of his mate and beckoning with every 
motion. But she responded less and less frequently. 
Some days I would see him only, but finally he gave 
it up; the pair disappeared, and the box remained 
deserted the rest of the summer. 
1867. 
