of pigeons, who have lately entered into the holy state of wedlock, and even supplanted a tortoise-shell cat and kittens in her affections. As a tenement for them wherein to commence housekeeping, she had fitted up a small chamber ad- 5 jacent to the kitchen, the window of which looked into one of the quiet Moorish courts. Here they lived in happy ignorance of any world beyond the court and its sunny roofs. Never had they aspired to soar above the battlements, or to mount to the summit of 10 the towers. Their virtuous union was at length crowned by two spotless and milk-white eggs, to the great joy of their cherishing little mistress. Nothing could be more praiseworthy than the conduct of the young married folks on this interesting occasion. 15 They took turns to sit upon the nest until the eggs were hatched, and while their callow progeny required warmth and shelter;-while one thus stayed at home, the other foraged abroad for food, and brought home abundant supplies. 20 25 This scene of conjugal felicity has suddenly met with a reverse. Early this morning, as Dolores was feeding the male pigeon, she took a fancy to give him a peep at the great world. Opening a window, therefore, which looks down upon the valley of the Darro, she launched him at once beyond the walls of the Alhambra. For the first time in his life the astonished bird had to try the full vigor of his wings. He swept down into the valley, and then rising upwards with a surge, soared almost to the clouds. Never 30 before he battlements, hoveri', but at length entered himself prisoner. He by his return; for the devoured the food set prodigal son, he had ine. Dolores upbraided alling him all manners omanlike, she fondled som, and covered him or, that she had taken all future soarings;for the benefit of all wandering husbands. might be drawn from eon. WASHINGTON IRVING. h E APPLE-TREE. ple-tree. ed with the spade; and there indly care, nt's feet eet; |