constantly on wing.

If he could not find sufficiently dainty food for them in the
trees and bushes, or among the offerings of the farmer, he
descended to earth and searched like a wood robin. He forgot he
needed a bath or owned a sun parlour; but everywhere he went,
from his full heart there constantly burst the cry:

"See here! See here!"

His mate made never a sound. Her eyes were bigger and softer
than ever, and in them glowed a steady lovelight. She hovered
over those three red mites of nestlings so tenderly! She was so
absorbed in feeding, stroking, and coddling them she neglected
herself until she became quite lean.

When the Cardinal came every few minutes with food, she was a
picture of love and gratitude for his devoted attention, and once
she reached over and softly kissed his wing. "See here! See
here!" shrilled the Cardinal; and in his ecstasy he again forgot
himself and sang in the sumac. Then he carried food with greater
activity than ever to cover his lapse.

The farmer knew that it lacked an hour of noon, but he was so
anxious to tell Maria the news that he could not endure the
suspense another minute. There was a new song from the sumac.
He had heard it as he turned the first corner with the shovel
plow. He had listened eagerly, and had caught the meaning almost
at once--"See here! See here!" He tied the old gray mare to the
fence to prevent her eating the young corn, and went immediately.