“OH, OH! IT’S TONY!” CRIED LADY JANE
“It’s so large. What can it be? Oh, oh! It’s Tony!” she cried, as the cover was lifted, and the bird hopped gravely out and stood on one leg, winking and blinking in the dazzling light. “It’s Tony! dear, dear Tony!” and in an instant she was on her knees hugging and kissing the bird passionately.
“I told you I would find him for you,” whispered Arthur, bending over her, almost as happy as she.
“And you knew him by the three little crosses, didn’t you? Oh, you’re so good, and I thank you so much,” she said, lifting her lovely, grateful eyes to the boy’s face. She was smiling, but a tear glistened on her lashes.
“What a darling she is!” said Mrs. Lanier fondly. “Isn’t it pretty to see her with the bird? Really it is an exquisite picture.”
She was like an anxious mother over a child that had just been restored to her. “You know me, Tony, don’t you? and you’re glad to see me?” she asked, over and over, while she stroked his feathers and caressed him in the tenderest way.
“Do you think he remembers you, Lady Jane?” asked Mr. Lanier, who was watching her with a smile of amusement.
“Oh yes, I know he does; Tony couldn’t forget me. I’m sure he’ll come to me if I call him.”
“Please try him. Oh, do try him!” cried Ethel and May.
Mr. Lanier took the bird and placed him behind a chair at the extreme end of the room, where he stood gravely blinking and nodding, but the moment he heard Lady Jane’s little chirp, and “Tony, Tony,” he ran fluttering to her and nestled close against her.