It was time to resume their studies, and, except that Frances was
not in her usual place, all things proceeded as before. When the
lessons were finished, they entreated their mamma to go with them,
and see the bird's nest."
"It is _so_ pretty, mamma!" said Anne; "and they know when the
mother comes, and they take what she puts into their mouths."
"We will first inquire after Frances," she answered; "if she is well
enough, she can accompany us."
"I will run up, if you will be putting on your bonnet and shawl,
mamma."
"Very well, I hope you will find her recovered, we will wait your
return."
Anne soon returned,--"She is gone! I do not see her anywhere!"
"Gone! In perhaps we shall find her at play in the garden."
In this expectation they all went out, and as they drew near the
spot where the nest was, they saw Frances looking very eagerly into
the nest, and seeming to be in some agitation, then she threw
something out of her hand, and ran away as if wanting not to be seen.
"She is about some mischief," William said, and ran forward to the
nest. But what was his grief to see one of the little birds dead on
the ground, two others in the nest with pieces of bread sticking in
their mouths, gasping, unable to swallow or reject it, and the fourth
with its crop gorged, and slowly moving its little unfledged head
from side to side, struggling in death.
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