When she saw Isabella she said, “Good-morrow, little maid.”
“Good morning,” said the little girl. “How do you do?”
“I should do very well, thank you,” said the old woman, “if I had a drink of water.”
“That you shall soon have,” said Isabella, forgetting her own tiredness because she felt sorry for her.
Isabella soon had the well bucket up, filled her pail, and then held it so that the thirsty woman could drink out of the side. She drank long and eagerly.
“Thank you,” she said at length. “Dear child, you will never be sorry for your kindness;” and she rose and walked away.
Isabella threw away the rest of the water, and after refilling her pail, set out for home.
When she reached the house, her stepmother said, “You are late! Where have you been?”
Isabella opened her mouth to answer—and what do you think happened? Out fell diamonds and roses.
Quickly the stepmother called her daughters and they began to sweep them up.