I never talk gossip , ' she said severely . ` Our people , who were once so innocent and well-behaved , have been corrupted by the bad examples of men . It is a thousand pities . ' ` What ! innocence and good behaviour are not to be met with among birds , nor in the country ! My dear friend , what are you saying ? ' ` The truth and nothing more . Imagine , when we returned here , we met some linnets who , just as the spring and the flowers and the long days had come , were setting out for the north and the cold ? Out of pure compassion we tried to persuade them to give up this folly ; but they only replied with the utmost insolence . ' ` How shocking ! ' exclaimed the city swallow . ` Yes , it was . And worse than that , the crested lark , that was formerly so timid and shy , is now no better than a thief , and steals maize and corn whenever she can find them . ' ' I am astonished at what you say . ' ` You will be more astonished when I tell you that on my arrival here for the summer I found my nest occupied by a shameless sparrow ! `` This is my nest , '' I said . `` Yours ? '' he answered , with a rude laugh . `` Yes , mine ; my ancestors were born here , and my sons will be born here also . '' And at that my husband set upon him and threw him out of the nest .
I am sure nothing XXXXX this sort ever happens in a town . '
as at by for of on than to upon with