298 'GOD'S PEACE'
on Rough-Hill when I came, but they grow more numerous every day, and more and more fearless. They now even hop straight into my room to see what I have got for them, and if it happens that some morning I let them wait for their food they announce their arrival by tapping on my windows and impatiently twittering on the window-sill.
We had reached the last number of the per- formance, consisting in my placing a large piece of bread in the middle of the table, over which the whole herd scrambles. They peck and tear and scuffle until a special plucky couple, by joining forces, drag off, after various unsuccessful attempts, the last big bite.
At this moment I catch sight of a young girl in a light frock, who stands on the steps of the upper terrace, and who has evidently watched my game with the sparrows. When my glance meets hers, she blushes, and seems slightly embarrassed at having been caught watching me. She makes a movement as if to turn and fly, then she thinks better of it and walks calmly down the steps and straight up to me.
I leave my seat and bow to her, and she gives me a slight nod, and with a self-possession which may be forced, but seems natural, she says : ' I have got something for you,' while she takes a folded piece of paper out of her pocket. I open the paper and look at her in astonishment.
' It is yours, isn't it ? ' she asks. ' I recognised you when I saw you a moment ago.'
