Every one accepted the invitation, and they were soon seated about the tables; it took several to accommodate them all. A moment’s hush, then Cousin Ronald was requested to ask a blessing, and did so in a few words spoken in reverent tones. The guests were then helped, and the meal began, a buzz of subdued conversation accompanying it.
The parrot at Woodburn had learned many words and sentences since her arrival there; during Mr. Lilburn’s visit he and she had become well acquainted, and under his tuition her vocabulary had been very considerably increased, so that she could upon occasion, or when so disposed, make herself a very entertaining companion.
Presently her voice, or one very like it, was heard above the clatter of plates, knives and forks, and the buzz of talk, coming seemingly from the mantelpiece some yards in Mr. Lilburn’s rear.
“Polly wants her supper. What you ’bout? Polly’s hungry.”
“Stop your noise, Polly,” promptly responded the other parrot’s voice.
“Cup o’ coffee for Polly, Mamma Vi,” promptly demanded the first voice.
“Miss Ella rules here,” laughingly returned Violet, “but even she cannot serve you unless you show yourselves.”
“Why, where is dem?” queried little Ned, gazing in wide-eyed wonder in the direction from which the sounds had seemed to come. “Me tan’t see de pollies.”
“Nor can I, Neddie boy,” said his Uncle Edward.
But at that instant subdued voices were heard conversing in quiet tones, apparently outside upon the veranda, but close to an open door leading into the dining-room.