"Put them down on the door-step, Fanny," said Ben, "so that we can see them better."
"I'm afraid you'll frighten them," replied Fanny; "Miss Gertrude doesn't like to have them frightened."
"No, we won't," said Ben; "we're disposed to be very friendly to Miss Gertrude's birds. Where did she get them? Do you know, Fanny?"
"Why, they are Indian birds; Mr. Sullivan sent them to her."
"Who is he?"
"Oh, he is a very particular friend; she has letters from him every little while."
"What Mr. Sullivan?" asked Belle. "Do you know his Christian name?"
"I suppose it's William," said Fanny. "Miss Emily always calls the birds little Willies."
"Belle!" exclaimed Kitty, "that's your William Sullivan."
"What a favourite man he seems to be!" said Mr. Bruce, in a tone of sarcasm; "the property of one beautiful lady and the particular friend of another."