But even the priestly blackbird, and the Levitical thrush, passed me by on the other side." "Oh, Ronnie, how silly! I know Jane admires your books, darling!" "She considers me quite unfit to tie your shoe-strings." "Ronnie, be quiet! You would not be afraid of her, had you ever known what it was to turn to her in trouble or difficulty.

She helped me through an awfully hard time, six months before I met you.

She showed me the right thing to do, then stood by me while I did it.

There is nobody in the whole world quite like her." "Well, send for her if you get into any troubles while I am away.

I shall feel quite brave about her being here, when I am safely hidden in the long grass!" "Is there any possible chance that you will get back sooner than you think, Ronnie ?" "Hardly.