MY BIRD AND MY DOG.
Printed by J. Darling, Leadenhall-Street, London.
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See page 61.
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My Bird and my Dog.
A
TALE FOR YOUTH.
BY THE AUTHOR OF THECITIZEN’S DAUGHTER, IDIOT HEIRESS, &c.
While as infants you yet sported at my knee, I perceived that the mindof man, brought forth in sin, like the earth cursed by the Almighty,requires cultivation, and that the utmost vigilance and care arenecessary to train it in the paths of virtue.
GESSNER.
London:
Printed at the Minerva Press for
A. K. NEWMAN AND CO. LEADENHALL-STREET.
1816.
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My Bird and my Dog.
| MY BIRD. |
| CHAP. I. |
| CHAP. II. |
| MY DOG; OR THE ADVENTURES OF ROVER. |
| CHAP. III. |
| CHAP. IV. |
MY BIRD.
CHAP. I.
“You have often promised, mamma, to give us the history of our prettygoldfinch; I wish you would indulge us, now that we are all together,”said Caroline Fitzallan one evening to her mother. “We have read allthe books which papa brought[Pg 6] us down; and you assured us that youwould get your story ready by that time.”
“Do pray, mamma,” cried Charlotte and Henry, with looks of eagerexpectation.
“I would most willingly oblige you, my children,” said Mrs. Fitzallan;“but we must first know whether it is agreeable to your father; youshould consider that while you are seeking your own gratification, youmay unintentionally tire others. Subjects adapted to your comprehensionand taste are of too trifling a nature to interest persons of a moremature age.”
Caroline cast her eyes down at this[Pg 7] mild rebuke, and herever-indulgent parent, perceiving her disappointment, said, with a fondsmile—“Whatever amuses my children must interest me; so pray, my dear,begin your tale as soon as you please.”
A grateful kiss from each of his blooming infants was the reward of hiskindness; and the little party drew nearer to the fire, with looks ofpleasing impatience.
Caroline took out her netting; Charlotte busied herself in colouring