188 
THE TOWHEE BUNTINGS 
But, my dear Mrs. Towliee, how well you are 
looking ! It seems to me that, notwithstanding 
all your family cares and labors, you are never 
growing old. And you, Mr. Towhee, must be 
a very attentive husband, to have your wife 
always with such a cheerful face and amiable 
disposition.” 
Ah, my friend Thrush ! ” answered Tow- 
hee, we old people have seen enough of real 
life to know that it is only the courtesies and 
kindnesses in the domestic circle that create 
real happiness, and we cannot alford to neglect 
them. We should not dare to waste our time 
away from home, chatting and rollicking like 
Bobolink, who, until his family are all hatched 
and his poor wife is unable to provide for them, 
does nothing but gad about and sing for the 
amusement or worriment of others.” 
That’s true, Mr. Towhee,” said Mrs. Gol- 
den Crown ; and how much happier would 
be some of our neighbors if their husbands 
would take pattern by you ! Now there are 
the Ruffed Grouse up here in the woods ; 
really,' they act shamefully. Just as soon as 
