I have inherited this nest from my parents , ' replied the other , ` and as they left it to me I certainly shall make it my home . But , ' she added politely , ' I hope that you and all your family are well ? ' ` Very well indeed , I am glad to say . But my poor daughter had , a short time ago , such bad inflammation in her eyes that she would have gone blind had I not been able to find the magic herb , which cured her at once . ' ` And how is the nightingale singing ? Does the lark soar as high as ever ? And does the linnet dress herself as smartly ? ' But here the country swallow drew herself up . ' 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 XXXXX them . ' '
Imagine added am exclaimed find gone said saying setting soar