My present existence had
grown almost intolerable, and I felt that any change could scarcely
make my condition worse, and there was a chance of its being better.
The prospect put new life into me.
Preening my feathers became a pleasant task once more. I whetted my
bill till it glistened, and my long-neglected toilet again became my
daily care.
"I shall be mighty glad to get rid of the mopy creature," Betty's
mother had, said when they talked of my departure. "I wouldn't give
the thing house-room for my part."
"Cousin Polly will like it, though," Betty answered her mother. "Polly
was always fond of pets, and she'll be powerful pleased to get it as a
present from her Southern kinfolks."
"We'll have to go to the cost of a new cage, I reckon, and I don't feel
like spending the money, neither," mused the mother. "Polly might like
a bresspin better. I don't know as it will pay to send her the bird
after all."
How my heart sank at this announcement! so fearful was I that I might
have to remain at the cottage; but Betty's answer gave me new hope.
"Oh, certain it will pay!" she exclaimed eagerly. "You know how many
nice things Cousin Dunbar's sent us off-and-on, and only last Christmas
Polly sent me my string of beads. As for giving her a bresspin for a
keepsake, she can get a heap nicer one out of their own store than any
we could send her, and I'm certain she'd like the bird best of all;
it's such a good chance to send it by Uncle Dan when he is going to
their town and can hand it right over to Polly.
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