We may all learn a lesson from the robin who lives in the honeysuckles, and we shall see how she was rewarded for her devotion to the employment which Providence assigned her.  The wisest of men, in describing the character of an excellent woman, says:  “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her.”  “She will do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.”  Our feathered friend’s husband is absent much of his time (as most gentlemen are obliged to be) from his well-ordered home; but he always thinks of it with pleasure, and hastens to it whenever he can find time to do so.  Sometimes he only stops a moment, but it is a precious moment to them both, for their hearts and interests are one.  They are cheered, in their separation, by the pleasant memories of these brief interviews, and by bright anticipations of future enjoyment.

I have observed, Mr. Robin thinks it of importance to look nice at home, as well as when he is abroad.  I have seen him alight on the walnut-tree, and carefully arrange his toilet, before going into the presence of his wife.  She must feel complimented by this delicate attention, indicating so high a regard for her, and such anxiety to preserve her esteem.  I should not wonder if she was a little proud of her handsome husband.  However this may be, I am sure it is her greatest happiness to deserve his respect and love, and honourably to perform all the duties which devolve upon her in her married life.

Madam Robin was sitting one day in her vine-shaded home, looking out through the slender branches of the honeysuckle, which were gently swayed by a refreshing breeze, when she heard a slight tap.  She listened eagerly.  Another tap—­presently another.  How her heart fluttered!  It proceeded from one of those highly-prized eggs, and she knew it was the timid knock of a birdling, who was in that little chamber, and was waiting to have the door opened.  Of how small consequence all her self-denial and her seclusion from general society seemed, when that thrilling tap sounded on her ear!  She continued to listen, and within those four tiny chambers she heard the same rapping repeated; and more than that, the sweet word, Mother, might seem faintly to greet her ear.  How she longed for her mate to return, that he might enjoy, with her, this new happiness!  When husband and wife love each other, as they should, all pleasure must be shared, or it will still be imperfect.  She waited, almost impatiently for his coming; and when he alighted on the honeysuckle, she looked so full of grateful joy, that he knew that something more than usual must have occurred.  He affectionately kissed her bill, and then, in a low tremulous voice, she told him the glad news.  He was quite as much pleased as she, although he did not appear so excited.  Had employment in the open air given a firmness to his nerves, which her sedentary occupations had not done for her?  Yet beneath that calm exterior, his sparkling eye plainly revealed the full tide of emotion within.