When autumn leaves were red , and autumn winds blew cold , the inhabitants of Twittertown prepared for their journey to the South . They lingered longer than usual this year , feeling sorry to leave their friend . But the fields were bare , the frosts began to pinch , and the young ones longed to see the world ; so they must go . The day they started , the whole flock flew to the great house , to say good-by . Some dived and darted round and round it , some hopped to and fro on the sere lawn , some perched on the chimney-tops , and some clung to the window ledges ; all twittering a loving farewell . Chirp , Dart , and Wing peeped everywhere , and everywhere found something to rejoice over . In a cosey room , by a bright fire , sat Daddy Winter and Nell 's old father , telling stories of their youth , and basking in the comfortable warmth . In the study , surrounded by the books he loved , was the poor young man , happy as a king now , and learning many things which no book could teach him ; for he had found a friend . Then , down below was Will 's mother , working like a bee ; for she was housekeeper , and enjoyed her tasks as much as any mother-bird enjoys filling the little mouths of her brood . Close by was pretty Nell , prettier than ever now ; for her heavy care was gone , and she sung as she sewed , thinking of the old father , whom nothing could trouble any more . But the pleasantest sight the three gossips saw was the man with Baby Nan on his arm and Will at his side , playing in the once dreary nursery . How they laughed and danced ! for Will was up from his bed at last , and hopped nimbly on his crutches , knowing that soon even they would be unneeded . Little Nan was as plump and rosy as a baby should be , and babbled like a brook , as the man went to and fro , cradling her in his strong arms , feeling as if his own little daughter had come back when he heard the baby voice call him father . `` Ah , how sweet it is ! '' cried Mrs. Dart , glad to see that he had found comfort for his grief . `` Yes ; indeed : it does one 's heart good to see such a happy family , '' added Mrs. Skim , who was a very motherly bird . `` I do n't wish to boast ; but I will say that I am satisfied with my summer 's work , and go South feeling that I leave an enviable reputation behind me . '' And Mrs. Wing plumed herself with an air of immense importance , as she nodded and bridled from her perch on the window-sill . The man saw the three , and hastened to feed them for the last time , knowing that they were about to go .
Gratefully they ate , and chirped their thanks ; and then , as they flew away , the little XXXXX heard their friend singing his good-by : `` Swallow , swallow , neighbor swallow , Starting on your autumn flight , Pause a moment at my window , Twitter softly your good-night ; For the summer days are over , All your duties are well done , And the happy homes you builded Have grown empty , one by one .
Chirp Dart Nan Nell Skim Will fro gossips mother-bird window-sill