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.