"Hope I haven't kept you waiting too long," said the sparrow cheerfully; "didn't see you till just now."
"No, I observed you didn't," answered Mrs. Polly in a severe tone.
"Met my cousin the wren, and didn't like to pass without speaking to her a minute."
"Oh, indeed!" said Mrs. Polly dryly.
"Anything up?" asked the sparrow.
"Yes," answered Mrs. Polly; "Major wants you to go around to his stall after he comes home from the depot,—he has something important to say, and you can get nearer to him than the barn-cat can."
"All right," said the sparrow, "I'll be on hand."
"I hope you won't meet any more of your cousins," said Mrs. Polly sarcastically; "because you know it might interfere with your engagement with Major."
"Don't worry," said the sparrow, "I'll
