CHAPTER II.
MRS. BENSON AND HER CHILDREN AT BREAKFAST—THE ROBINS VENTURE UPON THE TEA-TABLE.
It happened one day that both the redbreasts, who always went together to Mrs. Benson's (because if one had waited for the other's return, it would have missed the chance of being fed),—it happened, I say, that they were both absent longer than usual, for their little benefactors, having been fatigued with a very long walk the evening before, lay late in bed that morning; but as soon as Frederick was dressed, his sister, who was waiting for him, took him by the hand and led him down-stairs, where he hastily asked the cook for the collection of crumbs. As soon as he entered the breakfast-parlour, he ran eagerly to the window, and attempted to fling it up. "What is the cause of this mighty bustle?" said his mamma;
