Section 1
Once, there lived a woman who had two daughters and was a widow. The older daughter was very similar to her mother in both appearance and personality, to the extent that anyone who saw the daughter could easily see the resemblance to her mother. Both of them were extremely unpleasant and haughty, to the point where it was impossible to coexist with them. The younger daughter had inherited her father's kind and virtuous nature, and was also remarkably beautiful. However, the mother had a strong preference for the elder daughter, who resembled her more closely, and harbored a great dislike for the younger one. The mother forced the younger daughter to eat in the kitchen and labor tirelessly.
In addition to other tasks, this unlucky child was required to make a journey of over a mile and a half twice a day to fetch water and bring back a full pitcher. While at the fountain one day, a destitute woman approached the younger daughter and pleaded with her for a drink of water.
"This pretty little girl" responded, "Certainly, you may have some water with all my heart, Goody." The younger daughter quickly rinsed the pitcher and filled it with the clearest water from the fountain, offering it to the destitute woman while holding it up so that she could drink more easily.
After drinking, the kind woman spoke to her:--
"You possess such beauty, goodness, and kindness that I feel compelled to give you a gift," she said to the younger daughter.” Unbeknownst to the younger daughter, the destitute woman was actually a fairy in disguise, who had come to test the girl's kindness and good manners. "As a gift," the fairy said, "whenever you speak, a flower or jewel will come out of your mouth."
Upon the younger daughter's return, her mother scolded her for taking too long at the fountain.
The poor girl responded to her mother's scolding, saying, "I apologize, Mother, for not being quicker."
As she spoke these words, two roses, two pearls, and two large diamonds emerged from her mouth.
Her mother was amazed and exclaimed, "What is this I'm seeing? Pearls and diamonds seem to be coming out of your mouth, my child! How is this possible?"
The mother addressing the younger daughter as "my child" was a first-time occurrence.
The younger daughter openly explained the situation to her mother, and in doing so, unintentionally dropped a large number of diamonds.
"I must send my own dear child there," the mother exclaimed. "Fanny, take a look at what comes out of your sister's mouth when she speaks," the mother instructed. "Wouldn't you be pleased, my dear, to receive the same gift?" the mother asked. "All you have to do is go to the fountain, draw water, and when a destitute woman asks to drink, offer it to her politely."
"This ill-bred minx" responded, "I can't imagine myself going to the fountain to draw water."
"I insist that you go, and that too, right away," the mother commanded.
The daughter went to the fountain, grumbling the entire time, and took with her the best silver tankard from the house.
