GOING TO HOUSEKEEPING.
I promised to tell you more about the nest in the honeysuckles. Eddie
has observed it with great attention, and has kept me well informed in
regard to it. I have stepped out upon the porch with him, and,
kneeling down, and looking over the side, I have had a peep myself at
this wonderfully contrived home of the robins. It is partly supported
by a cornice, which runs around the porch, and gives it a firmer
foundation than the small branches of the honeysuckle could do.
But I must not forget to tell you about the finishing of the nest.
The second day, the robin was at work before six o'clock in the
morning; so you see birds are early risers, and like to have their
work done in good season. They know how pleasant it is to see the rosy
dawn, and welcome it with their sweetest strains of music. I wonder
how many of my little friends see the sun rise, these bright mornings!
If they would awake with the birds, they must, as wisely as the birds,
go to their places of rest before the shades of evening shroud the
world in darkness. If they sit up late, they will lose the morning
songs, which fill the woods with sounds of gladness, and which resound
from every tree and shrub about the houses of those who love these
pleasant visitors, and refuse to allow them to be frightened from
their premises.
The robin rose early, as I have told you, and resumed her labours for
a short time. Through the day she came occasionally to see how the
house was drying, but did not seem to be at all busy. She had
accomplished so much by her previous industry, that there was no
necessity for much exertion, and she felt quite at liberty to enjoy
herself, taking short excursions in the country, and returning
sometimes alone, and sometimes in company with her mate. He, once in a
while, visited the nest; but was so well satisfied with the domestic
arrangements of his wife, and had so much confidence in her ability
and skill, that he manifested no disposition to interfere with any of
her plans, but cheerfully acquiesced in them, and cheered and
encouraged her by singing her one of his sweetest songs, telling her
how dearly he loved her, how highly he esteemed her, and how truly
happy he was that he had so pleasant and agreeable, and at the same
time so housewifely, a companion. She appeared quite as well pleased
to be appreciated as any wife or housekeeper of my acquaintance, and
it made her labour a labour of love. We all like to be appreciated.
I see the robin is a plain, common-sense bird in her notions, and
wants nothing for mere display. Every thing which could add to the
real comfort of her family she has provided, and has no desire for any
thing further. Many house-keepers might learn a valuable lesson from
her prudent, comfortable arrangements.
When the dwelling was completed, and suitably dry for occupancy, the
robin deposited there four bluish-green eggs. I assure you they are
beautiful, and are great treasures to her. In about twelve days from
the time Eddie first saw her carrying straws into the honeysuckles,
she became very domestic, never leaving home but for a few minutes at
a time. Her four eggs now occupy all her attention and her great
business seems to be to keep them warm with the heat of her own body.
She does not complain of being confined at home, but is entirely
satisfied to attend to the duties which devolve upon her. She is not
uneasy that she cannot sing like her husband, or, like him, attend to
the interests of Robindom; but quietly and discreetly she labours in
her appropriate sphere, and feels no wish to leave it for a less
secluded and less happy life. Her _heart_ is satisfied with the
happiness of her home, and she feels no uneasiness--no ungratified
longings for something to occupy her, aside from the duties she so
cheerfully performs.
Madam Robin was entirely satisfied with the success of her labours,
and she had reason to be. No bird could have done better. This
consciousness of having done well did not make her proud; it only gave
her such self-respect as every one feels who is conscious that an
allotted task has been faithfully performed; and the praise of her
husband was no injury to her, as she was not silly enough to think of
herself more highly than she ought to think.
As the house was for a summer residence, she selected fine
straw-matting, instead of woollen carpets for it. She put it down with
great care, perfectly smooth and even. The wall was covered with the
same cool material, delicately woven. Wasn't it nice?