SUPERSTITIONS.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."I
Sin,—You may possibly think the following facts worth pub- lishing as an example of the curious coincidences which have doubtless bad a good deal to do with the origin and persistence of many superstitions.
One day last November, my wife's maid came to her in great perturbation, and told her that a robin had settled on the fan- light over the front door, and had remained there. In reply to the question, " What then, Jane P" the maid said that was a certain sign of death. Jane was dismissed with a mild expostulation on her folly in being so superstitious. The following morning the robin was still, or again, there, and the young woman was now certain that there would be death in the family. Within twenty-four hours, news came of the death of one of the nearest and dearest of my relatives. Within forty-eight hours, another near relative died, Within ten days, I had lost two of my dearest friends who were not relatives. Within seven days, I had attended three funerals. All these facts came to Jane's knowledge. She said nothing, but it was plain that, like the sailor's parrot, she "thought a good deal ;" and she went about the house with an air that was doubtless intended as a rebuke to her mistress's levity and incredulity.—I am, Sir, 8zo., J. L. C.
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