“You see how real our motor car is to us,” said Billie to Edward, who was running the boat. “We feel toward him just as we should toward any faithful animal, a horse or a dog——”
“Or a cat,” put in Mary, who loved cats to the exclusion of all other dumb creatures.
“I could never love a cat the same as a horse or a dog or a motor car,” cried Billie with enthusiasm.
“Now, I’ve planted my affections on a canary bird,” said Elinor, “and I wouldn’t exchange him for the finest cat in seven kingdoms. He is always in a good humor. He sings and carols all day long and his little heart palpitates with joy when I let him hop out and perch on my finger.”
Edward’s face lighted up. He had been listening silently to the chatter of the young girls while he guided the boat somewhat nearer the beautiful tropical shores which bordered the lake, and slowed down so that they could have a passing glimpse of this fairyland.
“We have a bird,” he said presently. “I’d feel mighty bad if anything should ever happen to him. He’s the finest little fellow you ever saw.”
“What kind is he?” asked Elinor with polite interest.
“A mocking bird.”
“A mocking bird?” repeated Billie. “How I should love to hear one sing! What is he like?”
“He’s a beautiful brown,” returned Edward, warming to the subject. “His tail and wings are tipped with white and he has a white breast. His little eyes are so bright and black, they see everything that happens. He knows he can sing, too. He’s just as proud of it as we are. He’s a wonder, I can tell you, and he is as fond of us as we are of him. I found him when he was little. His wing was broken and he had fallen out of the nest. His name is Dick and he’s just like a member of the family.”