Page:Story of the robins.djvu/103

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
The Upward Flight.
89

been endeavouring to convince Robin of his fault, but to no purpose; he did not like to be taught what he still persuaded himself he could do by his own exertions; she therefore applied herself to Flapsy.

"Come, my dear," said she, "get ready to follow me when your father returns, for the sun casts a great heat here, and the nest will be quite comfortable to you." Flapsy dreaded the experiment; however, as she could not but blame both Robin and Dicky's conduct, she resolved to do her best, but entreated her mother to inform her very particularly how to proceed. "Well, then," said the tender parent, "observe me. First bend your legs then spring from the ground as quick as you can, stretching your wings straight out on each side of your body as you rise; shake them with a quick motion, as you will see me do, and the air will yield to you, and at the same time support your weight; whichever way you want to turn, strike the air with the wing on the contrary side, and that will bring you about." She then rose from the ground, and having practised two or three times repeatedly what she had been teaching, Flapsy at length ventured to follow her, but with a palpitating heart; and was soon happily seated in the nest by the side of