94 
OUR BIRDS IN WINTER. 
a young female, the daughter of Chick-a-dee 
beside him, who fluttered her wings and tossed 
her head in the most charming coquetry. I 
declare I am almost in a perspiration,” he con- 
tinued, the weather is so warm.” 
Pooh ! ” ejaculated Chick, you’re in love, 
and the warmth of your passion is so great 
that you really suffer from the heat : now don’t 
say a word,” he added as the other made a dep- 
recative movement ; we have been watching 
you in your attention to our daughter, and be- 
lieve you deserving of each other : take her, 
then, and be happy. Bless you, my children. 
Not one word : of course, you are about to 
thank me for my kindness in helping you out 
of your embarrassment, and in giving my con- 
sent to your engagement before I am asked, 
but I know how much I suffered when T was 
courting my good wife here, and how much I 
would have given if I had had some one to 
help me in my suit ; therefore I don’t want 
one word of thanks, but keep your sweet 
words for your companion : she will doubtless 
need them before the summer is passed ; for, 
