Dick appeared to be not so great a favorite. Fred and his sister had often watched him from the window, and had already given him the name of the greedy bird. Now he acted consistently with that character, and seemed wholly occupied with the crumbs, hopping about and picking them up as fast as possible.
Mrs. Robin tried to make an apology for him, at the same time calling him to come forward and speak to his kind friends. But Dick could only stop to bow awkwardly, and then return to his food again. Indeed, he much wondered how his parents and brother could wish to spend their time in talking, while there was such a feast spread out before them.
"Now," said Mrs. Robin to Jack, "I must go back to your sisters—will you go with me?"
"I will," answered Jack. "I want to tell Katy what a fine time I have had." So he turned up his head in a very arch way to Annie, and after a few pretty little chirps, flew lightly into the top of the lilac bush.
Dick made no answer, and his mother determined to take no notice of him, but to let him return to the nest when he thought fit. She ascended to the tree, where Jack alighted as soon as she did.
His little heart panted with the excitement and exertion, but his mother praised him, and his sisters received him with joy.
CHAPTER V.
SORROW IN THE NEST.
"I do not think," said Molly, "that I shall ever learn to fly."
"O, don't be afraid!" cried Jack, soothingly. "We'll all help you."