her quarrelsome."

"'Tis too!" croaked the bird again, determined to get up an argument, if
only with herself.

Sara had to smile in spite of her sadness, at which the creature gave
such an odd, guttural chuckle, that she laughed outright.

"That's right; pretty Poll, nice Poll! Cheer up, cheer up!" she rattled
off, looking, through all these merry outbursts, so unutterably solemn,
that the effect was ludicrous in the extreme.

"Silly thing!" said Sara, wiping her eyes. "She always will be heard;
but while I think of it, I must tell you how I've enjoyed your 'Studies
in Russia' that you lent me, Miss Prue. It must be fine to travel and
see the world!"

"Yes; and it's decidedly comfortable, too, to sit by a good fire and see
it through other people's eyes, Sara. These thrilling adventures, these
close shaves from shipwreck, fire, frost, and robbery, are much
pleasanter to read about than to realize, I imagine. Do you know, I
always feel like adding a special thanksgiving for books to my daily
prayer. What _would_ my lonely life be without them?"

Sara's eyes kindled.

"I've felt so, too, Miss Prue; and another for you, because you have
helped me to enjoy so many!"

"All right, my dear, remember me in every prayer, if you will. It's