"I wouldn't mind if you were with me," she exclaimed. "Why can't you
stay with me now? You might perch on my shoulders, both of you--or I
will carry you very carefully if you like."
"No," said both the wood-pigeons together, so that their voices sounded
like one, "that would not do. There are rules, you see, Mary. You must
do part of it for yourself. Don't be afraid--the darkness won't hurt
you, and after a bit you will get out of it, and then--"
"Then, what?"
"You will see _us_, and--a good deal more," was the reply, followed by a
slight flutter, and when Mary looked up, both her friends had
disappeared!