148 
OUR BIRDS IN WINTER. 
on repeating the conversation of his parents 
at the dinner-table that he could really con- 
vince them. On repeating the admonitions 
of Spinnette, he assured them that the lesson 
he had received should not be thrown away ; 
and that hereafter he would be worthy of 
their affection and respect. And he kept his 
word ; and in years after, when Spinnette, 
who had already advanced Oscar to one of 
the highest positions in the land, found that 
he really was all that she could wish, she 
took his fortunes under her charge, and he 
was soon placed in a post of great honor and 
distinction.” 
Having answered the many inquiries that 
this little story naturally suggested. Grosbeak, 
who had towards its close been somewhat ner- 
vous and hurried, said to his listeners : I 
must now leave you for the north. I would 
like to remain here longer ; but if I hurry 
now in my flight, I can undoubtedly overtake 
my friends that have already gone. I will 
bid you good-by then, and I hope that we 
