redbird of late? He's changed to a new tune, an' this time I'm
completely stalled. I can't for the life of me make out what
he's saying. S'pose you step down to-morrow an' see if you can
catch it for me. I'd give a pretty to know!"

Maria felt flattered. She always had believed that she had a
musical ear. Here was an opportunity to test it and please Abram
at the same time. She hastened her work the following morning,
and very early slipped along the line fence. Hiding behind the
oak, with straining ear and throbbing heart, she eagerly
listened. "Clip, clip," came the sound of the planter, as
Abram's dear old figure trudged up the hill. "Chip! Chip!" came
the warning of the Cardinal, as he flew to his mate.

He gave her some food, stroked her wing, and flying to the
dogwood, sang of the love that encompassed him. As he trilled
forth his tender caressing strain, the heart of the listening
woman translated as did that of the brooding bird.

With shining eyes and flushed cheeks, she sped down the fence.
Panting and palpitating with excitement, she met Abram half-way
on his return trip. Forgetful of her habitual reserve, she threw
her arms around his neck, and drawing his face to hers, she
cried: "Oh, Abram! I got it! I got it! I know what he's
saying! Oh, Abram, my love! My own! To me so dear! So dear!"

"So dear! So dear!" echoed the Cardinal.

The bewilderment in Abram's face melted into comprehension. He
swept Maria from her feet as he lifted his head.