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CHAPTER XVII.
Mrs. Polly looked seriously from the sparrow, who sat pluming his ruffled feathers, to his little wife, who looked as fresh and bright-eyed as ever.
"I want to have a little talk with you," began Mrs. Polly in a serious tone, "and I take it that this is as good a time as any."
"Delighted, I'm sure," said the sparrow indifferently, as he continued his toilet.
"I've noticed," said Mrs. Polly severely, for she was not pleased with the sparrow's frivolous manner, "that you neglect your family a good deal. I've seen more than you are aware of."
"Flattered, I'm sure, by the attention," replied the sparrow, carefully picking out
