speed, sparkling and foaming in the ecstasy of its delight,—all hail with exultation the approaching summer. [Pg 8] But let us turn from this universal rejoicing to our friends under the [Pg 9]old elm tree. Mrs. Symmes we see standing within the shed churning butter. Fred is before the door, with a pail of dough in his hand, calling "chick, chick, chick." Annie is following grandpa to the barn with a pan of warm milk for Whiteface, while the good farmer is driving his oxen to the field. [Pg 9] The barn yard gate has been accidentally left open, and the cosset, [Pg 10]hearing Annie's voice, bounds forward to meet her, and puts his fore feet on her dress, nestling his head under her arm. [Pg 10] "O grandpa!" exclaimed the child, "do please take the pan; Whiteface is making me spill it all over." "Set it down on the ground, dear, and let her drink it," said grandpa. "I have a good mind to let her run round with me, as I did yesterday," continued Annie.[Pg 11] [Pg 11] As grandpa smiled approval, the two were presently engaged in a merry chase from house to barn, round the trunk of the old tree and back to their starting spot again. "Now," cried the little girl when she could recover her breath, "it's time to feed my Robin family. O, they are all here!" she added, as she opened the front door. Jack, without waiting for further [Pg 12] invitation, hopped into the entry, and then into the room. The table was set for the family, and he made bold to fly upon it, and walk round among the dishes. He looked so funny as he hopped a step or two, and then, standing on one leg, turned his head archly, as if to say, "I hope I don't intrude," that Annie laughed till she cried. [Pg 12] "O, where is Fred? I do wish Fred were here to see the[Pg 13] robin!" she exclaimed, as her mother entered with a dish of smoking hot potatoes. [Pg 13] "Tut, tut, tut," cried Mrs. Symmes, "you are getting rather too bold;" and she shook her apron to scare the robin away. "No, no, birdie, you must be content with eating the crumbs from
Prev.
Back
Top