140 JOHN JAMES AUDUBON 
While Audubon was waiting for better 
luck, or for worse, he was always listen- 
ing to the birds and studying them — 
storing up the knowledge that he turned 
to such good account later: but we can 
almost hear his neighbours and ac- 
quaintances calling him an ‘‘idle, worth- 
less fellow.’’ Not so his wife; she had 
even more faith in him than he had in 
himself. 
His was a lovable nature — he won af- 
fection and devotion easily, and he loved 
to be loved; he appreciated the least 
kindness shown him. 
He was always at ease and welcome 
in the squatter’s cabin or in elegantly 
appointed homes, like that of his friends, 
the Rathbones, though he does complain 
of an awkwardness and shyness some- 
times when in high places. This, how- 
ever, seemed to result from the pomp 
and ceremony found there, and not 
because of the people themselves. 
‘‘Chivalrous, generous, and courteous 
