how well you express yourself , Mrs. Wing ; it 's quite a pleasure to hear you ; and I heartily wish some persons could hear you , it would do 'em a deal of good , '' said Mrs. Skim ; while her husband gave an approving nod as he dived off the beam , and vanished through the open doors . `` I know it would comfort that man to do these things ; for I have tried the same cure in my small way , and found great satisfaction in it , '' began little Madame Dart , in her soft voice ; but Mrs. Wing broke in , saying with a pious expression of countenance : `` I flew into church one day , and sat on the organ enjoying the music ; for every one was singing , and I joined in , though I did n't know the air . Opposite me were two great tablets with golden letters on them . I can read a little , thanks to my friend , the learned raven ; and so I spelt out some of the words . One was , ` Love thy neighbor ; ' and as I sat there , looking down on the people , I wondered how they could see those words week after week , and yet pay so little heed to them . Goodness knows , I do n't consider myself a perfect bird ; far from it ; for I know I am a poor , erring fowl ; but I believe I may say I do love my neighbor , though I am ` an inferior creature . ' '' And Mrs. Wing bridled up , as if she resented the phrase immensely . `` Indeed you do , gossip , '' cried Dart and Skim ; for Wing was an excellent bird , in spite of the good opinion she had of herself . `` Thank you : well , then , such being the known fact , I may give advice on the subject as one having authority ; and , if it were possible , I 'd give that man a bit of my mind . '' `` You have , madam , you have ; and I shall not forget it . Thank you , neighbors , and good night , '' said the man , as he left the barn , with the first smile on his face which it had worn for many days . `` Mercy on us ! I do believe the creature heard every thing we said , '' cried Mrs. Wing , nearly tumbling off the beam , in her surprise . `` He certainly did ; so I 'm glad I was guarded in my remarks , '' replied Mrs. Skim , laughing at her neighbor 's dismay . `` Dear me ! dear me ! what did I say ? '' cried Mrs. Wing , in a great twitter . `` You spoke with more than your usual bluntness , and some of your expressions were rather strong , I must confess ; but I do n't think any harm will come of it . We are of too little consequence for our criticisms or opinions to annoy him , '' said Mrs. Dart consolingly .
`` I do n't XXXXX that , ma'am , '' returned Mrs. Wing , sharply : for she was much ruffled and out of temper .
comfort consider cried heed know learned madam saying spelt tumbling