as Aunt Tabby's Canary.

The first day or two after her arrival, Miss Flora pouted at me. I
was exceedingly well amused, making all the saucy speeches I could
think of, in the pure spirit of mischief, and taking no notice of her
tossing her pretty head, and turning her back upon me. Finding that
her displeasure was not producing any particular effect upon the
object of it, I imagine the indignant beauty begins to plot a
different revenge on me. "Ha, ha! Miss Flora! It is not because you
like me better than you did, that you are all smiles, and grace, and
sunshine. I shall not flatter you the more, I am determined. I am on
my guard. You shall never boast of me on your list of obsequious
admirers. No, no, Little Handsome! I am no lady's man, and never was
flirted withal in my life. I defy your smiles, as stoutly as your
frowns. I like your pretty face; yes, it is exceedingly beautiful, as
far as form and coloring go to make up the beauty of a face. And the
play of the features,--yes, very lively and pretty, only too much of
it. You should not smile so often; and I am tired of your pretty
surprise, your playful upbraidings, and the raps of your fan. I want
more repose of feature, Little Handsome. Now, what a contrast you and
sedate Miss Etty present! Ah, very good! I am glad you have given up
following Little Ugly out of the room the moment we rise from
table. You sit down to your tiny basket, and demurely take out
something that passes for work. I don't see you do much at it,
however. I give you warning that I never hold skeins to be wound, not
I. I will not read aloud; so you need not offer me that 'Sonnet to
Flora,' in manuscript, nor your pet poet in print. We will talk; it is
a comfort to have my wit appreciated, after wasting so much on my
aunt, who cannot, and Miss Etty, who will not understand. I am glad to
have a chance to speak, and to hear a human voice in answer. I like
especially to rattle on when any nonsense will do. Chat is truly
agreeable when one's brains are not severely taxed to keep it going."

_Sept. 24th_. Charming little Canary! I have spent the forenoon with
her at the piano. I like her playing when she does not attempt my
favorite tunes. It must be confessed she is apt to vary somewhat, and
not for the better always. Her singing,--Aunt Tabitha well describes
it as that of a canary; sweet and liquid, and clear, and sustained,
but all alike. Her throat is a fine instrument; I shall teach her to
u