She was sweet-natured always, and as pretty as she was
amiable.
The widow doted on the daughter who was so like herself, but had no
love for the other, whom she compelled to work hard all day, and
to live upon the leavings of her elder sister. Among her other hard
tasks, she was obliged to carry water every day from a great distance.
One day when she had just filled her pitcher at the fountain, an old
woman asked to drink from it. "With all my heart," replied the pretty
girl. Glad to show a kindness to one old and infirm, she held the
pitcher while the woman slaked her thirst.
Now, this was not a trembling old peasant, as she appeared, but a
fairy who rewarded good deeds. "Your face is pretty and your heart is
gentle," said she. "For your kindness to a poor old woman, I will make
you a gift. Every time you speak, from your mouth shall come a flower
or a jewel."
When the girl reached home her mother scolded her for her long
absence. "Pardon me for being away so long," she sweetly replied. As
she spoke some pearls and diamonds issued from her lips.
"What is this I see, child?" asked the astonished widow.
The forlorn girl was so happy to be called child by her mother that
she eagerly related her experience with the old woman at the fountain,
while, with her words, dropped precious stones and roses.
Pages:
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458