Nightingale's Nest.
The bird hopped about in a promiscuous sort of way, just as if there were no nest there, and then, when she got near it, she hopped upon it in quite an accidental manner.
"She knows that we know her nest is there, because we look at it every day, but she always pretends she is only there by accident."
Frank went to look at the nest. It was untidy in make, built of straw and twigs, and lined with leaves. It contained five olive-brown eggs which were near to hatching.
"You must not take any of these, Mr. Merivale," said Miss Marston.
"No, I do not wish to do so," said Frank, but his looks so belied his words that they all laughed at him.
"There are two more nests about the grounds," said Marston, "and I have some eggs in the house which you can have."
Frank thanked him, and asked if there were any more nightingales about.
"There are so many about that many times I cannot go to sleep for the noise they make."