Pearlie
There was once a man who had three daughters. Two of them, Alice and Emily, were such beauties that the whole village marvelled at them, while the third, Pearlie, was small, thin, and slightly hunchbacked. Her eyes sparkled bright on her face, but working the fields was hard for her, and she always lagged behind her older sisters at home.
Alice and Emily were constantly surrounded by suitors, there was barely a day without someone knocking at their door. But as for poor Pearlie, no one so much as glanced her way. The older sisters would say, We wont marry until Pearlie does!
Time passed, but no suitor came to ask for Pearlies hand. The sisters tried dressing her up, adding a dab of rouge to her cheeks, but it didnt help. Soon their friends began to mock, If you wait to find a match for Pearlie, youll find yourself without a husband!
Pearlie heard their words and her heart achednot for herself, but for her dear sisters. One night she decided, I cant go on holding back my sisters happiness. Id rather leave home so they can marry in peace. Ill go to the city and find work.
She waited until everyone was asleep, tied up a little bundle, and slipped out into the night. She walked all night under a bright moon, the road shining ahead, and she felt no fear. But when she reached the woods, she grew nervoussuppose a fox or badger was lurking? Still, she entered the forest and followed the path.
Morning was breaking by the time Pearlie grew weary, and London was still a long way off. She decided to rest behind a hazel bush, laid her bundle as a pillow, draped her shawl over herself, and fell asleep. She didnt know how long shed slept, but woke to the sound of an axe chopping nearby. Before she could move, down crashed a dry tree right beside her! Terrified, Pearlie leapt to her feet, ready to run, but saw instead an old fellow coming along. He wasnt tall but looked strong, with a white beard and an axe in hand.
Pearlies heart pounded, but the old man spoke kindly, Dont be afraid, lass, I mean you no harm.
And who might you be, granddad? Pearlie asked, trembling. You nearly gave me a fright!
Im the woodsman, the man replied. Live just nearby. Im felling dead wood. Whats a slip of a girl doing alone in the forest?
Pearlie told him all her troubles. The old man listened, stroking his beard, then said, I can see youre a good-hearted, gentle girl. Why not stay and keep house for me? You could be a granddaughter to me until you change your mind, and then Ill walk you to the city myself.
Pearlie was overjoyed and agreed to stay. They made a small life together in the woodsmans cottage. He spent days out among the trees while Pearlie managed the housekeepingthere wasnt much to do, and she kept up well.
The old woodsman was cheerful and wise, with many a story to tell. Gradually, he began to teach Pearlie about herbs, roots, and berrieswhen to gather them, how to dry them, how to brew healing tonics. Pearlie learned everything he knew, for he kept no secrets from her.
After some time, the old man fell ill, and it was his time to go. Pearlie wept, but he comforted her, Dont mourn, child, everything has its season. When I go, bury me and return home. Ive taught you all I know. I helped the forest while I lived; now, you should help people with what youve learned.
After the funeral, Pearlie gathered herself and set out for home.
Back in her village, she found Alice and Emily both married to a pair of brothers, sharing a fine, large cottage. They were overjoyed to see Pearlie return home safe and sound! They gave her a bright airy room, and Pearlie settled in, helping her sisters as she could. She knew remedies for sick animals, treatments for every illness, and ways to enrich the soil, all learnt from the old woodsman. Her sisters harvests were always bountiful, their cattle thrived, and not a soul in the house was ever poorly. Life was cheerful and full.
Soon word spread, and neighbours began coming to Pearlie for advice. Pearlie helped everyone, asking nothing in return. Those who could left her giftsperhaps a few eggs or a nice scarfbut from the poor, she accepted nothing at all.
In the same village lived old Granny Twistle, a hedge-witch of sorts. People feared her, for she was known for her bad temper and dark deeds. Once Pearlie started helping the villagers, they began ignoring Granny Twistle and taking detours past her cottage. Granny was cross and wondered how she could best Pearlie. After much brooding, she set off to visit.
Good morning, dear Pearl Anne! croaked Granny.
Good morning, granny, Pearlie replied politely.
Ive come for help, my love, moaned Granny. My arm aches dreadfully, I can hardly move it.
Sit down, granny, let me have a look, Pearlie offered, calmly taking her arm. Are you sure its this one? Let me check the other.
This one, yes! Oh, it hurts awfully. I cant eat or drink with the pain.
Pearlie shook her head. Im sorry, granny, but I cant find anything wrong with your arm.
How can there not be? Granny squawked. Look how my fingers are all twisted!
Pearlie just shook her head, holding her ground. As you wish, she said, but I cant find any pain.
Well, maybe it feels better after talking to you, Granny conceded with a crafty smile. Thank you, dear Pearl Anne, thank you, love. Here, take thismy gift to you. She handed Pearlie a little mirror. Youre young still, so its time you liked what you see.
Thank you, granny, Pearlie replied, smiling gently. Good words mean more than bad!
But old Twistle had cursed the mirror, whispering spiteful things over it…
As time went on, people started whispering that Pearlies small hunch was fading, and she walked taller, barely limping anymore. She gazed into Grannys mirror delightedly, but Granny saw that her spells had failed and soon paid Pearlie another visit complaining now of an aching back and weak legsthough she did in fact begin to feel unwell, having called trouble down on herself!
Pearlie prepared some special roots and herbs for her, gave her instructions, and Granny once again pressed a present into her handa carved bone comb. Girls beauty needs caring for, she croaked, and youre a pretty lass, you should spoil yourself.
Pearlie thanked her sweetly, Thank you, granny, youre so kind! If your words are good, may nothing go to waste.
Days passed, and people began to notice how Pearlie looked brighter and lovelier than evershe glowed pink-cheeked, her hair thickened, her whole figure grew healthy and strong. Meanwhile, Granny Twistle was wasting away. Her hands curled like old sticks, her back never straightened, and her legs grew too feeble to walk. She lay in bed, groaning and sighing, and called for Pearlie.
Alice and Emily were worried, Dont go, sister! That old womans a witchnothing good happens in her house.
Dont worry, Pearlie said. The morning is always wiser than the night.
At dawn, Pearlie washed with fresh water, put on her best dress, packed a basket with wild honey, garden apples, and fragrant healing herbs.
When Emily and Alice saw her, they gasped, Sister, youre radiant! Is it the dress, or is it magic? You seem entirely changed!
Pearlie walked to Granny Twistles cottage. But when she reached out to open the garden gate, it slammed shut in her face and wouldnt budge.
Granny! she called, Open up, I cant get through your gate!
Yet inside, it sounded as if a whole host were rummaging about, stamping and banging pots, chattering in strange voices: Dont let her in! Dont open the door! She cant be cursed, dark spells dont touch her, sickness flees from her, harsh words turn kind by her hand!
Pearlie waited, then knocked again.
Granny, are you alright? Ive come to see you but cannot come in.
No answer, only unearthly howls, barking, and lowing inside, with such crashing in the stove it seemed the house would tumble down.
People gathered on the lane, watching in fear. Theyd always minded old Twistle, but now her house shook and roared like never before! Pearlie knocked once more: At least say something, granny! Ive brought honey, apples, and healing herbs!
She set her basket over the gate and left it on the step. Suddenly black smoke poured from Granny Twistles chimney, crows flew from every window, and the cottage turned jet black as if it were burning, though no flames could be seen. People ran for water and began tearing down fences, thinking a fire had started.
But just then, the sun peeked out, and as soon as its rays touched the ground, all the smoke vanished, and the cottage crumbled to nothing but a heap of sootgone without a trace or a spark.
That was Granny Twistles spite that burned her up! people said, nodding. She tried to curse Pearlie, but no evil could stick to such a pure soul, and it turned on herself!
From that day, Pearlies beauty shone brighter than ever, and before long, she found a suitora local lad. They were always happy, never a cross word between them. Alice and Emily delighted in their sisters joy.
And on the spot where Pearlie had left her basket, the richest raspberry patch soon sprang upfat, fragrant berries in abundance. Every villager came to pick them, and soon, no one feared the place anymore. Folks say there were so many raspberries each year that they started calling the whole village Raspberry Nook.
