All Feathers and Hats

It began one morning in late summer, when a pheasant appeared at my studio window. At first, I was startled - "but my surprise quickly turned to delight when I noticed he was wearing a top hat, pulled down quite low. I hurried to the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of him as he fled. But to my astonishment, there he was, standing squarely on the mat. He looked me over, blinked, and then began to speak. He introduced himself as Vernon Cotterill and asked if I would be willing to paint his portrait, an offer I joyfully accepted, and that, my friends, is how this whole adventure began. "Not a bad first attempt all things considered, but I do wish you hadn't shared my secret." -Vernon "I have inspected every page from cover to cover and find it acceptable, can you please send a complimentary copy to my cousin." -Madge "If my relatives were still alive, I'm sure we'd share a giggle over a cup of tea." -Quentin