Once there lived a peasant and his wife who had three daughters. The
two elder girls were cunning and selfish; the youngest was simple and
open-hearted, and on that account came to be called, first by her
sisters and afterward by her father and mother, “Little Simpleton.”
Little Simpleton was pushed about, had to fetch everything that was
wanted, and was always kept at work; but she was ever ready to do what
she was told, and never uttered a word of complaint. She would water
the garden, prepare pine splinters, milk the cows, and feed the ducks;
she had to wait upon everybody—in a word, she was the drudge of the
family.
One day, as the peasant was going with the hay to market, he asked his
daughters what they would like him to buy for them.
“Buy me some kumach (Red wool stuff from Bucharest) for a sarafan (A
long dress worn by the Russian peasant women) father,” answered the
eldest daughter.
“And me some nankeen,” said the second. The youngest daughter alone did
not ask for a present. The peasant was moved with compassion for the
girl; although a simpleton she was still his daughter.
Turning to her he asked “Well, Little Simpleton, what shall I buy for
you?”