And now I see, too, that I did not ask because I suspected it had something to do with me and my behaviour, and didn't want to hear the truth.

And I know I have been grumbling at my work, and doing a hundred other things that are wrong.' 'You have got it, Curdie,' said the old lady, in a voice that sounded almost as if she had been crying.

'When people don't care to be better they must be doing everything wrong.

I am so glad you shot my bird!' 'Ma'am!' exclaimed Curdie.

'How can you be ?' 'Because it has brought you to see what sort you were when you did it, and what sort you will grow to be again, only worse, if you don't mind.
Now that you are sorry, my poor bird will be better.