The song sparrow is not the only neighbour of the robin.  A pair of cat-birds have a nest in a lilac near the honeysuckle, and one of them sings hour after hour on the walnut-tree opposite to the window and often comes near enough to the house to look through the open casement.  These birds have lived for several summers in that same lilac, and annually make all the repairs necessary to render their dwelling habitable.  They have raised several broods of birdlings, much to their own enjoyment, and of Mrs. Dudley’s bird-loving family.

CHAPTER IV.

Home duties and home pleasures.

Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.  She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.  She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.

Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.  She assisted at concerts, and was universally admired; but she had the good sense to give up these enjoyments without a murmur, when higher claims called for her undivided care.  Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well; and the robin will doubtless be repaid for the unwearied patience with which she performs her unostentatious duties.  Some people are inclined to think domestic labour dishonourable, and the cares of house-keeping a burden; but our feathered friend is wiser than they.  She does with her might what she finds to do, and she does it heartily.  Every act of duty, faithfully and cheerfully performed, is acceptable to God; and his children do his will when they endeavour to attend to their various occupations in such a way as he can approve.  If all house-keepers felt that, in attending to the different departments of their work as they should be attended to, they were honouring Him who has made this care necessary for the comfort of families, it would be a blessing to themselves, and to who all who dwell under the same roof with them.  We cannot consider any thing which we do to please our heavenly Father of small importance, and no favour can be degrading which he requires of us.