One day a pair of new-comers came to the Old Oak Tree, and began to settle themselves and build their nest. Mr. and Mrs. Jay (for that was their name) were most beautiful birds, with crests on their heads and pretty blue feathers on their wings; but their voices were loud and sharp, and they seemed to be always scolding.
They were full of curiosity about their neighbours, and peeped into everybody’s house. “Why do you live down there, Mr. Bunny?” said Mrs. Jay; “I’m sure your house must be damp, and unhealthy for the children.”
Then they attacked Cozie Cowl:—“If you would only keep decent hours, and come out the proper time of day, Mr. Cozie Cowl, it would do you a world of good.” And Cozie, with all his wisdom, was so silly as to believe them, and came tumbling out of his hole in the ivy, looking so foolish that the mischievous Jays laughed at him, and pecked at him till he crept into his corner again.
“As for you, Jerry,” said Mrs. Jay, “I don’t believe you are a bit comfortable up there. Why don’t you marry Miss Hedgehog, and set up house decently?”
