RECREA TION, 



339 



THE HOUSE WARMING. 



ZELLE EMMONS. 



Dame Nature, like all prudent and thrifty matrons, 

 had been busy with the spring cleaning. First 

 with floods of clear water she had washed the 

 whole earth clean and pure. Then she put down her 

 new carpet with its aesthetic mossy shades, and deli- 

 cate flowery patterns. The south wind was called in 

 to hang fresh curtains of deep, bright blue in the 

 arches ; nor did she neglect to whiten overhead, for 

 snowy sunlit clouds o'ercast the firmament. Then she 

 trimmed the trees with new ribbons, and when the last 

 artistic touches were added to the whole, and the 

 sunlight in full splendor was turned upon the scene, 

 she called iri her dear friends, the birds, to make 

 merry, and enjoy the new finery. 



They came joyfully. Bob White had been selected 

 to announce the names of the guests. He bore 

 himself with great stateliness in his new spring suit, 

 with his hair combed pompadour, and his white neck- 

 tie in a trim bow. By his side was his demure wife, 

 who wore her usual quaker costume. 



The first to be announced were the blue jays, some- 

 what proud birds, and perhaps a trifle overbearing, 

 as if conscious of superior attire, being dressed 

 in the latest shades of gray and blue, but 

 withal anxious to do honor to the occasion. 

 They were followed, shortly, by the 

 robins in trim brown coats, with 



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