become entangled in the rope on one of the smaller children's sleds)
to examine the extraordinary scene near at hand. For, on the lawn at
one side of Avrillia's house, opposite the rose-garden, where Pirlaps
usually sat painting under the fog-bushes, a large table had been
placed; and around it were assembled a group of the most
remarkable-looking persons Sara had ever seen. If they had not been so
large, Sara would have been sure that they were birds; but the largest
one was a head taller than Sara herself, and the very smallest was at
least as large as her youngest cousin.

Pirlaps, who was helping Yassuh put some sort of food on the table,
looked up and saw Sara; and in a moment he put down the dish he had in
his hand and seemed to slip away unnoticed, to come to her. Sara
wondered at this, for Pirlaps was always so polite; it would have been
much more like him to excuse himself with a courteous bow to his
guests.

"Good morning, Sara," he said in a low tone, when he reached her side.
"A glorious morning, isn't it? Avrillia thought you would enjoy seeing
the Birds fed, and the children at their winter sports. Avrillia
herself is very busy just now; the suet gave out and she's gone to
order some more. But I daresay she'll have time to speak to you after
a while. Meantime, I'll tell you who they are: it isn't polite to
introduce them to anybody. Indeed, I must tell you that their ways are
very peculiar, and they are very easily offended; so try to be
careful. For instance, you must never speak aloud in their presence,
but only behind your hand, in a whisper; and if you wish to make the
best impression, do not seem to see them at all. Also, if you should
care to partake of any of the food, remember not to touch it with your
hands: that is the very worst of bad manners. Always take it with your