4 
THE BROWN THRUSHES: 
neighbors had assembled to congratulate Mrs. 
Cat Bird on her success in laying four beau- 
tiful green eggs. Mr. Thrush joined them, 
and was warm in his congratulations and 
good wishes ; when one of the ladies in the 
company spoke up quite smartly, saying. 
Really, Mr. Thrush, for a bachelor, you are 
very kind with your congratulations to Mrs. 
Cat Bird ; we supposed that you were a de- 
termined woman-hater, and all thoughts of 
matrimonial encumbrances were extremely 
disagreeable to you.” 
We had no idea you could be so gal- 
lant,” said another lady ; by and by we 
shall expect to see you paying your attentions 
to Miss Brown Thrush. What a fine-looking 
couple you would make, to be sure ! ” 
Both of a height and of the same com- 
plexion,” remarked old Mrs. Yellow Bird. 
Of course, you will send us cards to the 
wedding,” said Mrs. Cat Bird, playfully. 
At these railleries, the whole company burst 
into a roar of laughter, that is, as much of a 
roar as such discreet and decorous birds per- 
