a widow has two daughters. the elder is ugly, selfish and rude. the younger is beautiful, kind and polite. the younger is sent to fetch water from a spring. an old woman dressed in rags (a fairy in disguise) asks for a drink of water. the girl politely gives her one. in thanks, the fairy causes diamonds and roses to drop from the girl's mouth whenever she speaks. at home, her mother is amazed. she sends her elder daughter to the spring. the girl meets a grandly-dressed lady (the fairy) who asks for a drink of water. the girl responds rudely. the fairy causes snakes and toads to drop from her mouth. at home, her mother is furious. she blames the younger sister. the girl runs into the woods. she meets a prince who falls in love and marries her. the elder sister dies after running away from home. a rhyming moral tells the reader that politeness and gentle words are worth more than jewels. they may bring unexpected rewards.