“Give it up.”
“I can tell you,” answered Mrs. Polly. “You saw that pretty bright-eyed sparrow, and you made her think there never was such a handsome, wonderful fellow as you were, and you married her without a thought of the future. It never occurred to you that you must take care of her and protect her. She has done her part, and has been a faithful mother to your children; but how have you done yours? Flying around here and there, flirting with this one and rollicking with that one. I know your ways. Your family would have starved long ago if it had not been for your little wife there.”
“He has been a very good husband indeed,” said the bright-eyed sparrow warmly. “I have nothing to complain of.”
“It is very loving of you to defend your husband, my dear, but he doesn’t really deserve it. I saw you, last evening, looking out for him so anxiously, and I heard him, too, come home this morning just before daybreak, and I knew you had words about it. You make up, I know, and are very affectionate until the next outbreak occurs; but you may take my word for it that every quarrel you have weakens the love you bear each other, and by-and-by there will be no makings up, and a feeling of bitterness will take the place of the love you now have for each other.”
Both her listeners were silent, as Mrs. Polly paused for a moment and looked seriously at them; then she continued,—
“I have seen many young couples begin as you have begun and grow apart from each other; but I take too much interest in you, my friends, to see you go wrong without a word of warning. Think of your young family and the responsibility of setting a good example to them; their young eyes are keener than you think they are.”
The sparrow had thrown aside his indifferent manner, and listened attentively to the last part of Mrs. Polly’s remarks; and as she concluded, he hopped on the bough beside the bright-eyed sparrow and nestled affectionately against her.
“You are right,” he said; “I am a worthless vagabond, and don’t deserve such a good little wife as I’ve got; but with all your wisdom, Mrs. Polly, haven’t you learned that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”
“Nonsense!” said Mrs. Polly decidedly; “the idea of a bright young fellow like you talking in that style! You’ve got sense enough, and you’re good-hearted and brave; now don’t throw away all those good qualities, but use them to make of yourself a useful member of society.”
“I’ll be shot if I don’t try,” said the sparrow, with an affectionate glance at the bright-eyed sparrow; and judging from the manner in which she nestled against him, it was very evident to Mrs. Polly that there was plenty of love left.