"Yes, so he is. He will be here in a minute; and he has something for you, Bunny."
"Something for me, Mervyn; oh! what is it?" she cried; "do tell me what it is."
"He'll tell you himself—he'll tell you himself," answered Mervyn, and going down on the grass, he tumbled heels over head two or three times in succession.
"You tiresome boy," cried his cousin, "do get up and tell me what Frank has for me, and where he got it, and—"
"Go and ask Frank himself—there he is," shouted Mervyn, starting quickly to his feet again, as young Collins appeared suddenly at the top of the flight of steps that led from the drawing-room into the garden. His hands were both behind his back, and he laughed merrily when he saw Bunny's face of excitement and curiosity as she ran across the lawn to meet him.
"You dear good Frank, Mervyn says you have something for me," she cried; "do tell me what it is. I do so want to know."
"A bird, Bunny; a young thrush," said Frank gaily, as he drew a small cage from behind his back and held it up to the little girl. "I put him in here because it was the only thing I could find; but I will get you a proper big cage for him to-morrow."
"Oh! never mind the cage; but let me see the bird," cried Bunny.
"He is rather frightened just now, Bun, but I think he will soon sit up and begin to sing; and thrushes do sing beautifully."
"He is a dear little fellow! a perfect darling! But where did you get him, Frank?" asked Bunny in delight, as she danced joyfully round her new treasure. "Did you manage to put salt on his tail?"