When Gray Cock came home, he found that Master Freddy had been before
him, and had established Mrs. Feathertop upon eight nice eggs, where
she was sitting in gloomy grandeur. He tried to make a little
affable conversation with her, and to relate his interview with the
doctor and Goody Kertarkut; but she was morose and sullen, and only
pecked at him now and then in a very sharp, unpleasant way. So after
a few more efforts to make himself agreeable he left her, and went
out promenading with the captivating Mrs. Red Comb, a charming young
Spanish widow, who had just been imported into the neighbouring yard.

"Bless my soul," said he, "you've no idea how cross my wife is."

"O you horrid creature!" said Mrs. Red Comb. "How little you feel
for the weaknesses of us poor hens!"

"On my word, ma'am," said Gray Cock, "you do me injustice. But when
a hen gives way to temper, ma'am, and no longer meets her husband
with a smile--when she even pecks at him whom she is bound to honour
and obey--"

"Horrid monster! talking of obedience! I should say, sir, you came
straight from Turkey." And Mrs. Red Comb tossed her head with a most
bewitching air, and pretended to run away; and old Mrs. Scratchard
looked out of her coop and called to Goody Kertarkut, -

"Look how Mr. Gray Cock is flirting with that widow. I always knew
she was a baggage."

"And his poor wife left at home alone," said Goody Kertarkut. "It's
the way with 'em all!"