AND THEIR NEIGHBORS. 
195 
Oh, well,” somewhat sneeringly answered 
Mrs. Blackbird, I guess he can get along 
without their friendship. And I don’t think 
there will be much love lost between them. I 
mean to tell him what a fine opinion his neigh- 
bors have regarding him, and show him how 
his character is being pulled to pieces by all 
the old gossips in the neighborhood.” 
Here she indignantly ruffled her feathers, 
and her countenance wore a sulky, disdainful 
look. 
Old gossips, indeed ! ” warmly replied Mrs. 
Thrush. I would have you know that I am 
no more an old gossip than yourself ; and as 
for the Towhees, I really pity them in being 
obliged to have such neighbors.” 
If Mr. Golden Crown had not here inter- 
rupted his mate, and gently forced her from 
tlie scene, there is no telling how far her 
enthusiasm for her friend would have carried 
her. After they had passed from the hearing 
of the Blackbirds, he remonstrated with her 
for repeating what had been said by the Tow- 
hees ; but she did not yet see her error, and 
