She could scarcely believe him at first , and was eager at once to go back and share the fate of her dear ones ; but the old nurse , with many tears , besought her to remember that she had still a child , and that it was her duty to preserve her life for the sake of the poor innocent . ` The lady yielded to this reasoning , and consented to remain at her nurse 's house as the best place of concealment ; for the servant told her that the giant had vowed , if he could find her , he would kill both her and her baby . Years rolled on . The old nurse died , leaving her cottage and the few articles of furniture it contained to her poor lady , who dwelt in it , working as a peasant for her daily bread . Her spinning-wheel and the milk of a cow , which she had purchased with the little money she had with her , sufficed for the scanty subsistence of herself and her little son . There was a nice little garden attached to the cottage , in which they cultivated peas , beans , and cabbages , and the lady was not ashamed to go out at harvest time , and glean in the fields to supply her little son 's wants . ` Jack , that poor lady is your mother . This castle was once your father 's , and must again be yours . ' Jack uttered a cry of surprise . ` My mother ! oh , madam , what ought I to do ? My poor father ! My dear mother ! ' ` Your duty requires you to win it back for your mother . But the task is a very difficult one , and full of peril , Jack . Have you courage to undertake it ? ' ' I fear nothing when I am doing right , ' said Jack . ` Then , ' said the lady in the red cap , ` you are one of those who slay giants . You must get into the castle , and if possible possess yourself of a hen that lays golden eggs , and a harp that talks . Remember , all the giant possesses is really yours . '
As she ceased speaking , the lady of the red hat suddenly disappeared , and of course XXXXX knew she was a fairy .
Jack Years cabbages daily duty father first right son spinning-wheel