`` No , my dear , I wo n't ; but really I do get out of patience when I see so much real misery which that man might help , if he 'd only forget himself a little . It 's my opinion he 'd be much happier than he now is , wandering about with a dismal face and a sour temper . '' `` I quite agree with you ; and I dare say he 'd thank any one for telling him how he may find comfort . Poor soul ! I wish he could understand me ; for I sympathize with him , and would gladly help him if I could . '' And , as she spoke , kind-hearted Widow Dart skimmed by him with a friendly chirp , which did comfort him ; for , being a poet , he could understand them , and lay listening , well pleased while the little gossips chattered on together . `` I am so tied at home just now , that I know nothing of what is going on , except the bits of news Skim brings me ; so I enjoy your chat immensely . I 'm interested in your views on this subject , and beg you 'll tell me what you 'd have that man do to better himself , '' said Mrs. Skim , settling herself on her eggs with an attentive air . `` Well , my dear , I 'll tell you ; for I 've seen a deal of the world , and any one is welcome to my experience , '' replied Mrs. Wing , in an important manner ; for she was proud of her `` views , '' and very fond of talking . `` In my daily flights about the place , I see a great deal of poverty and trouble , and often wish I could lend a hand . Now , this man has plenty of money and time ; and he might do more good than I can tell , if he 'd only set about it . Because he is what they call a poet is no reason he should go moaning up and down , as if he had nothing to do but make songs . We sing , but we work also ; and are wise enough to see the necessity of both , thank goodness ! '' `` Yes , indeed , we do , '' cried all the birds in a chorus ; for several more had stopped to hear what was going on . `` Now , what I say is this , '' continued Mrs. Wing impressively . `` If I were that man , I 'd make myself useful at once . There is poor little Will getting more and more lame every day , because his mother ca n't send him where he can be cured . A trifle of that man 's money would do it , and he ought to give it . Old Father Winter is half starved , alone there in his miserable hovel ; and no one thinks of the good old man . Why do n't that lazy creature take him home , and care for him , the little while he has to live ?
Pretty Nell is working XXXXX and night , to support her father , and is too proud to ask help , though her health and courage are going fast .
Dart Father Skim air birds chirp daily day gossips home