Her second letter was from the country
near Boston, where she had gone to study under his direction. I have
thought about taking it up myself at odd times this spring."
"That is why I am here," said Mr. Minturn. "I want you to begin at once,
and go as far as you are able, taking Malcolm with you. The boys have been
spending much of their time in the country lately, hiding in blinds,
selecting a bird and practising its notes until they copy them so
perfectly they induce it to answer. They are proud as Pompey when they
succeed; and it teaches them to recognize the birds. I believe this is
setting their feet in the right way. But Malcolm has gone so fast and so
far, that he may be reproducing some of the most wonderful of the songs,
for all I know, for the birds come peering, calling, searching, even to
the very branch which conceals him. Isn't it enough for a beginning?"
"Certainly," said the musician.
"He's been badly spoiled by women servants," said Mr. Minturn, "but the
men are taking that out of him as fast as it can be eliminated.
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