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 people who use it . ' ` What a gay old bird ! ' thought I , feeling quite at home after that . ` Please tell me what you do , when the shades of evening prevail , and you go out for a frolic ? ' ' I am a gentleman ; therefore I behave myself , ' returned the eagle ; with a stately air . ' I must confess , I smoke a great deal : but that 's not my fault , it 's the fault of the chimneys . They keep it up all day , and I have to take it ; just as you poor ladies have to take cigar smoke , whether you like it or not . My amusements are of a wholesome kind . I usually begin by taking a long flight down the harbour , for a look at the lighthouses , the islands , the shipping , and the sea .
My friends , the gulls , bring their reports to me ; for they are the harbour-police , and I XXXXX notes of their doings .
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