"You will soon return, dear one," said her sister, tenderly; "and remember there will always be one heart in the nest that will welcome you with joy. Go now, love, and treasure up all you hear and see, to cheer me in my solitude."
While this beautiful interchange of affection was taking place, Mr. and Mrs. Robin, the delighted parents, were sitting near, their hearts every moment swelling with pleasure.
"Now," said the tender mother to herself, "I am well repaid for all my care and watchfulness of my beloved children; for all my share of the labor of building a nest; for the long days and nights, through cold and rain, that I have sheltered my eggs, until at last I have seen the dear ones come forth.
"Yes, indeed, and for the anxiety with which I have endeavored to impress virtue and affection upon their young minds. To see them growing up in the interchange of mutual affection, and to hear them give utterance to pure and noble sentiments, far exceed all the joys of my lifetime."
One thought of Dick, as unlike the others, intruded itself upon her mind; but she would not allow this to interrupt the delight she had experienced.
Very similar were the thoughts and emotions of Mr. Robin, but mingled with them was a plan he was forming for the benefit of his dear child. His purpose was to attract to his nest the notice of some kind friend at the cottage. If he could succeed in this, he was perfectly confident that she could be liberated.
But now his attention must be given to Katy, who, in obedience to her sister's wish, hopped to the side of the nest.
"O, dear!" she chirped; "it seems a very long way to the ground."
"It's just nothing at all," said Dick, spreading his wings and flying away.
"I know just how you feel," added Jack; "but it is really safe, or our parents would not allow us to try it;—and only think what delightful sails we will have through the bracing air. Come, dear; now we'll start."