Part 17

morsel, a mouthful, a bit of food.

Neufchâtel, a city in Switzerland famed for the manufacture of cheeses.

nimble, active.

notional, full of notions, whimsical, “cranky.”

obedient, willing to obey, dutiful.

odious, disagreeable, unpopular, offensive.

opportunity, chance.

ornithology, the scientific study of birds.

pastime, amusement, play.

pergola, garden house.

persecution, pursuit with the object of punishing or hurting.

pilfering, thieving.

pleading, begging.

plumage, feathers.

preen, smooth down feathers with the beak.

premises, piece of land belonging to somebody.

primitive, old-fashioned.

prospect, view, outlook, scene.

provisions, food.

rasping, harsh, grating.

ravine, small valley made by running water.

relent, yield, give in, forgive.

revenge, return of evil for evil.

revive, bring back to life.

rippling, moving up and down or back and forth, like water.

rung, step (of a ladder).

sanctuary, refuge, shelter, place of protection.

serene, quiet, calm.