Before dark, Edward's aunt called the children to supper, and they all
sat down to the table, where Mrs. Wilson gave them some nice new bread,
and fresh butter, with some beautiful honey in the honey-comb, such as
Edward had never seen before. He was quite hungry, as well as much
fatigued with his day's ride, and as soon as he had finished his supper,
he went into the parlor, and kissing his parents, he bade them and all
his friends _good night_, and retired to rest. But before he got
into bed, he knelt down and thanked GOD for taking care of him through
the day, and prayed that He would protect and care for him through the
night.

The next morning the children were all up early, and Edward went out
with his cousins to see William's rabbits. He was delighted with the
beautiful little animals, and asked a great many questions about them,
which William kindly answered. He admired them so much that he could
hardly be persuaded to leave them, till Ann told him he would not be
as obedient as the young rabbits were, if he did not go in at once,
for her mother had twice called them to go in and get their breakfasts.

Just as Edward had finished his breakfast, he looked out and saw a
beautiful bird sitting on the branch of a young apple-tree, eating the
tender buds, and singing most sweetly.

[Illustration: The Bullfinch.]

"There is that mischievous _bullfinch_ again," said Mr. Wilson; "if
I do not drive him away, I shall never have an apple on that favorite
young tree of mine." Then he took down his gun and went into the garden,
followed by the children. But Mr. Wilson was a kind man and would not
harm a living thing. So he pointed the gun away from the bird and fired.