The Valley of Adventure

Kiki the parrot was annoyed. She had been left all alone for a day, and she talked angrily to herself.“What a pity, what a pity, what a pity, poor, poor Polly! Ding-dong bell, Polly’s down the well, good morning, good morning!”Mrs. Mannering put her head in at the door of the room where Kiki was sitting.“Kiki, don’t be so absurd! Talking away to yourself all day like that! The children will soon be back.”“Ding-dong bell,” said Kiki mournfully, and made a cracking noise with her beak.“I suppose you miss Jack,” said Mrs. Mannering, coming into the room and shutting the door carefully behind her. “He won’t be long now, Kiki. You’ll hear him and the others any minute. Now be a good bird and don’t make any more noise.