My respectful silence seemed to suit him ; for , after a turn or two , he paused , nodded gravely , and said affably , ` Good-evening , ma'am . I stepped over to bring you old Ben 's respects , and to see how you were getting on . ' ` I 'm very much obliged , sir . May I inquire who Mr. Old-Ben is ? I 'm afraid I have n't the honour of his acquaintance . ' ` Yes , you have ; it 's Ben Franklin , of City-Hall yard . You know him ; and he wished me to thank you for your interest in him . ' ` Dear me ! how very odd ! Will you sit down , sir ? ' ` Never sit ! I 'll perch here ; ' and the great fowl took his accustomed attitude just in front of the fire , looking so very splendid that I could n't keep my eyes off of him . ` Ah ! you often do that . Never mind ; I rather like it , ' said the eagle , graciously , as he turned his brilliant eye upon me . I was rather abashed ; but being very curious , I ventured to ask a few questions , as he seemed in a friendly mood . ` Being a woman , sir , I 'm naturally of an inquiring turn ; and I must confess that I have a strong desire to know how it happens that you take your walks abroad , when you are supposed to be permanently engaged at home ? ' He shrugged his shoulders , and actually winked at me , as he replied , ` That 's all people know of what goes on under , or rather over , their noses . Bless you , ma'am ! I leave my roost every night , and enjoy myself in all sorts of larks .
Excuse the expression ; but , being ornithological , it is more proper for me than for some XXXXX who use it . '
Dear Mr. eagle fowl front home interest people silence woman