She felt certain that the important news Major had to communicate related to the lost ribbon, and she was almost bursting with curiosity to know what it was. It would not do to call the sparrow, for old Graywhisker had sharper ears than he had; so the only thing to be done was to control her impatience until the sparrow appeared. What if he didn’t come back until after the barn was closed for the night?
It was a horrible thought, and it made her break out into a cold perspiration, for he was a queer fellow and his movements could never be relied on. Just as likely as not he might take it into his head to make another visit to his family, or go off with some friend and not come back again before midnight.
“There he is,” whispered the canary suddenly; “I can see him swinging on the top of that laburnum-tree. I know him by the way he bobs his head, and twitches his tail.”
Mrs. Polly looked in the direction indicated by the canary; and there he was, swinging on a slender branch of the laburnum-tree as unconcernedly as if he hadn’t a care in the world.
“Flirting with that little wren,” said Mrs. Polly indignantly. “It doesn’t look well for a family man. I did hope he was going to settle down, but I see he’s a hopeless case.”
“He’s good-hearted,” said the canary.
“Yes, his heart’s good enough,” answered Mrs. Polly; “but you can’t rely on him. There’s no knowing what he’ll take it into his head to do next.”
Just then the sparrow looked in the direction of the dining-room window; and as Mrs. Polly caught his eye she beckoned to him. He returned the signal, but went on saying a few last words; and from his gallant manner and the coquettish air with which the wren listened to him, it was very evident he wouldn’t have cared to have the little bright-eyed sparrow happen by just then.
“Hopeless!” said Mrs. Polly to herself, as he came flying towards her with a pleasant smile, evidently caused by his parting words with the wren; “little does he care who stole the ribbon if he can only have a good time!” and she received him rather crustily.
“Hope I haven’t kept you waiting too long,” said the sparrow cheerfully; “didn’t see you till just now.”