I flew down hastily and placed myself on the next bough, where I could also get a good view of the ladies as they strolled toward us.

They were in a very merry mood and each one seemed striving to say something more arousing than her companions.

Miss Dorothy led the way, her arm linked in that of one of the stranger guests.

Then followed the others with Miss Katie and Marian hand in hand in the rear.

They were all very handsomely dressed, and having just returned from a drive had not yet removed their hats.
As they came under the tree where we were perched, which was a favorite spot with Miss Katie, they halted for some time and consequently I had an excellent opportunity to look, as my mother had bidden me.
And what did I see?
I saw six ladies' hats trimmed with dead birds.