"Oh, don't do it, please don't," besought Marian, "we want to play with all the birds together." "It seems a pity," began Aunt Hester, but she gathered Ella in her arms and helped form all the birds in two straight lines upon the floor as her sister desired. Marian watched with eager interest. She hoped when the birds were divided a few of the pretty ones might be given to her. If she had her choice she couldn't tell whether she would take the peacock or the bird of paradise--they were both gorgeous. The scarlet tanager and the red-headed woodpecker were beautiful but of course it wasn't fair to wish for all the brightest birds. It was Aunt Hester who suggested a way to divide the game. "Let them take turns choosing," she said. "It seems to me that will be perfectly fair. The children might draw cuts for first choice." At that, Marian saw her opportunity. "Ella may be the first chooser," she declared, and was rewarded by a smile from Aunt Hester. Which would Ella take? the bird of paradise or the peacock? Either would please Marian, so it really made no difference which was left. Ella wanted them both and said so. "Hush," whispered her mother, "if you keep still Marian won't know which birds are the prettiest. Aunt Hester and I will help you choose." "I guess I'll take that," Ella decided, pointing towards the bird of paradise. Marian was about to choose the peacock when a whispered word from Aunt Hester caught her ear. "I hope, Ella dear, that she won't take the peacock." Marian hesitated a moment. She wanted the peacock with its gay, spreading tail, but if Aunt Hester wished Ella to have it perhaps she would love whoever helped her get it. "I'll take the turkey," said the child, whereupon Ella gave a shout. "She don't know much, she took an old brown turkey. I'll have the peacock and I want the red bird and the redhead." Aunt Amelia laughed. "One at a time, you dear, impulsive child," said she, but Aunt Hester smiled across at Marian. "Your turn," she said. "I'll take the owl," Marian quietly replied. "Oh, ho! an old owl!" laughed Ella, clapping her hands for joy. "Now I'll have the redhead! goody! And next time----" "Hush," warned her mother. "You mustn't let Marian know what you want or she'll take it." "I choose the wren," came in low tones from Marian. "My turn," Ella called. "Give me the redhead." "Choose the flicker next," advised her mother, so Marian, still hoping to be loved, chose the robin. Aunt Hester smiled again, but the smile was for Ella. "Take the parrot next," she whispered, so Marian chose the crow. "Now, Ella, darling," whispered her mother, "the oriole, after Marian has her turn," and Marian, taking the hint, motioned for the jay.