There was no time to hesitate over it.
'Oh, ma'am! See here,' he said, and advanced a step or two, holding out the pigeon.
'What have you got there ?' she asked.
Again Curdie advanced a few steps, and held out his hand with the pigeon, that she might see what it was, into the moonlight.

The moment the rays fell upon it the pigeon gave a faint flutter.

The old lady put out her old hands and took it, and held it to her bosom, and rocked it, murmuring over it as if it were a sick baby.
When Curdie saw how distressed she was he grew sorrier still, and said: 'I didn't mean to do any harm, ma'am.

I didn't think of its being yours.' 'Ah, Curdie! If it weren't mine, what would become of it now ?' she returned.

'You say you didn't mean any harm: did you mean any good, Curdie ?' 'No,' answered Curdie.
'Remember, then, that whoever does not mean good is always in danger of harm.