22
of it. One day, as she was at the fountain, there came to her a poor woman, who begged of her to let her drink. "O ay, with all my heart, Goody," said this pretty little girl, and rinsing immediately the pitcher, she took some water from the clearest part of the fountain, and gave it to her, holding up the pitcher all the while, that she might drink the easier.
The good woman having drank, said to her "You are so very pretty, my dear, so good, and so mannerly, that I cannot help giving you a gift, (for this was a Fairy, who had taken the form of a poor country woman, to see how far the civility and good manners of this pretty girl would go.) I will give you for gift, (continued the Fairy) that at every word you speak, there shall come out of your mouth either a flower or a jewel."
When this pretty girl came home, her mother scolded at her for staving so long at the fountain. "I beg your pardon, mamma, said the poor girl, for not making more haste;" and in speaking these words, there came out of her mouth two roses, two pearls, and two diamonds. What is it I see there? said her mother, quite astonished, I think I see pearls and diamonds come out of the girls mouth. How happy is this child! This was the first time, ever she called her child.
The poor creature told her frankly all the matter, not without dropping out infinite numbers of diamonds. "In good faith, cried the mother, I will send my child hither. Come hither, Fanny, look what comes out of your sister's month, when she speaks, wouldst not thou be glad, my dear, to have the same gift given unto thee, thou hast nothing
