“Cheer up!” gurgled again the sweet bird voice.

Mary Frances was certain this time that it was not Dick.

Maybe it was a bird outside!

She looked out of the sewing-room window. No, not a single feather was in sight. All the birds were doubtless in their little nests, or hiding close in the barn to keep themselves warm in such a rain.

“Dick!” said Mary Frances, “Dick, did you speak?”

Dick only ducked his head again for a seed, and snapped off the shell with his strong little bill.

“Peep! Peep! Peep!” sang a bird’s voice, as though inviting Mary Frances to a game.

“I’ll play ‘Hide and Seek,’” thought the little girl.

“Dick, did you speak?”