“Don’t you remember me?” she asked. “My parents lived next door to you at the park. But I was not one of those who drove you away; indeed, I never raised my wing against you.”
“I remember you,” replied Jack. “But how in the world did you get here?”
“I came to admire your beautiful new home,” said Pert, “and to tell you how glad I am that you have got up in the world.”
“Thank you for your kindness,” replied Jack.
“There is something else,” said Pert, “that I want to say, but I don’t like to mention it.”
“Speak out,” said Jack; “I want ever so much to hear it.”
“Well, then,” replied Pert, “to tell you the truth, I am afraid that all the other birds, when they hear of your good fortune, will laugh at your wife.”
“What ails her?” asked Jack.