'He's learnt that "won't be good" from next door,' said the girl, 'and I do believe he knows what it means.'
'I very sorry; I be good,' here said the parrot.
They both started.
'Upon my word!' exclaimed the maid.
'Has he learnt that from next door?' said Mrs. Wylie, in a lower voice.
'I hope so. It's very clever of him, and it's not unlikely. The child is getting better, I believe, and there's not near so much crying and complaining.'
'So I have heard,' said the old lady, and we fancied she spoke rather mysteriously, 'and I hope,' she went on, but we could not catch her next words, as she dropped her voice, evidently not wishing us to hear.
Peterkin squeezed my hand, and I understood. There was a mystery of some kind!
Then Mrs. Wylie came in and shut the glass door. She was smiling now with pleasure and satisfaction.
'I did get him to talk, did I not?' she said. 'He is a funny bird. By degrees I hope he will grow quite friendly with you too.'