When they came to the well, there sat the old ragged woman on the curb.
“Good-morrow, young maidens,” said the old woman.
The stepsisters just stared at her.
“My, it is a warm day,” said the old woman, “and I am very thirsty. Will you give me a drink of water?”
“Indeed, we will not!” said the older one haughtily.
“The very idea!” exclaimed the younger one, looking at the old woman’s ragged clothes. “I should think not!”
Then they drew the water, all the time complaining and groaning about the hard work.
When they started to go home, the old woman spoke.
“You are not kind,” she said, “you will be sorry.” But they only laughed and hurried away.
Their mother met them at the door.