“These Southern girls,” Miss Campbell was thinking, “how graceful and well-bred they are!”
“I’m so glad my brother brought you here,” said the girl in the soft musical voice that had attracted them in the morning. “It would have been lonely for you on the beach and he may be some hours in getting back.”
“Before you go, Edward,” put in Elinor, “may we not see the mocking bird? Or has he gone to bed?”
“Oh, Dick? He’ll wake soon enough if he knows there is company,” said Virginia. “Do get him, Edward.”
But Edward had already left the room and presently returned with a large covered cage which he placed on the table.
“Won’t all these people and lights frighten him?” asked Billie.
“Not Dick,” replied Edward. “He’s a gentleman, first and foremost, and loves the ladies. And he’s a very obliging rascal. Watch him open one eye when I take off the cover.”
When the brown linen cover was removed, the graceful little fellow was disclosed, standing on one foot, the other drawn up under his body, which gave him a ministerial appearance, as if he were about to deliver a speech.
“Why, what an elegant little gentleman he is,” cried Elinor delightedly. “Look at his neat brown coat and his white waistcoat. He might have just dressed to go to church.”
Dick cocked his head on the side and opened one of his intelligent little black eyes as much as to say: