asked the smallest of the doves , ` we were never treated like that before . ' ` Never , ' said the biggest dove . ` We must find some way of paying her back in her own coin ! ' ' I know , ' answered the middle dove ; ` she shall never be able to say anything but `` dirty creatures '' to the end of her life . ' ` Oh , how clever of you ! That will do beautifully , ' exclaimed the other two . And they flapped their wings and clucked so loud with delight , and made such a noise , that they woke up all the birds in the trees close by . ` What in the world is the matter ? ' asked the birds sleepily . ` That is our secret , ' said the doves . Meanwhile the girl had reached home crosser than ever ; but as soon as her mother heard her lift the latch of the door she ran out to hear her adventures . ` Well , did you get the wreath ? ' cried she . ` Dirty creatures ! ' answered her daughter . ` Do n't speak to me like that ! What do you mean ? ' asked the mother again . ` Dirty creatures ! ' repeated the daughter , and nothing else could she say .
Then the woman saw XXXXX something evil had befallen her , and turned in her rage to her stepdaughter .
as before by in like of than that to with