194 
THE TOWHEE BANTINGS 
Mr. and Mrs. Towhee expressed themselves 
sorry that he is to live here.’’ 
Indeed ! ” exclaimed Mrs. Blackird, some- 
what warmly. 
Oh, well, dear ! ” interrupted Mr. Thrush, 
endeavoring to smooth over the Towhees’ 
observations, for he. knew that what was said 
would be repeated to the Bobolinks ; their 
remarks were only general, and hardly amount- 
ed to more than a condemnation of his habit 
of talking and gossip.” 
^4 Why, Mr. Thrush, how can you say so ? ” 
quickly replied his mate, not noticing the 
glance of warning that he gave her. Surely 
they gave him one of the worst of characters ; 
said he was a noisy rattle-brain ; enough to 
drive one distracted ; away from home chatter- 
ing and rollicking, and that he does nothing 
but gad about, and sing for the amusement or 
worriment of others. Didn’t they say all 
these things, and do you call that nothing ? 
As for my part, I haven’t the least doubt in 
the world but that Bobolink will be very dis- 
agreeable indeed to the Towhees.” 
