Uncle Dick and Lisa's Old Time Animal Tales

The New Haven [Conn.] Courier relates the following interesting incident, which occurred a few years since in one of the villages of Connecticut:
“A young lady, confined to the house by protracted indisposition, was in the habit of feeding a sparrow, which had a nest on a tree near the door, with crumbs of bread. The little creature had a warm heart under her homely dress, and soon learned to love her patron, became exceedingly tame, and would hop about the table, while the family were at their meals. This was repeated whenever the door was opened, till, at last, her mate was induced to accompany her, and both would pick up the scraps which their fair entertainer, as she lay upon a sofa, scattered near her upon the carpet. In the fall one of them flew against the window, and tried to get in, but the lady was too feeble to expose herself to the air, and so could not admit her visitor to a farewell interview. Next spring, they both came again, as docile as ever. In the course of a few weeks, as the lady lay upon the sofa, upon a Sunday morning, being too unwell to go to church, the house perfectly still, and the door open, she heard a great chirping and twittering on the steps. Looking about for the cause, she spied her tame sparrow entering the apartment, followed by several of her progeny, and the partner bringing up the rear. They all remained with her for half an hour, perfectly fearless and at home, till having satisfied their appetite.