Laverne walked round the inclosure in a trance of delight. And though the voices now and then made discord, on the whole it was a fascinating orchestra.
"Couldn't you tame some of them?"
"It would take a long time, I think. Those bright Brazilian birds are very wild. Every one cannot charm birds, and father is a pretty busy man."
Elena soon tired of the birds, and inquired if Laverne had a pony. Then they might ride after luncheon.
"And it must be nearly that now. Come, let us go up to the house."
Elena chattered like a magpie, and danced about, now and then hopping on one foot, and running to and fro.
"You will think we are a rather queer lot," Victor said, half in apology.
"Oh, you are not queer. I like you very much." She raised her clear, innocent eyes, and it seemed a very sweet compliment to him.
"There isn't much training. Mamacita could not govern a cat, though, for that matter, I don't believe cats are easily governed. Cats are queer things. But school straightens up one, I suppose. Elena will go to a convent to be trained presently. Isola cannot, so she has a governess to teach her music and a few things. You must hear her play on the organ. All she cares about is music."
"Is she very ill?"