Cap o’ Rushes

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s emotional but ultimately reassuring: the heroine is safe and valued. Great for gentle bedtime talks about feelings and misunderstandings.

Story Synopsis

A father asks his daughters how much they love him. The youngest answers honestly: she loves him as much as salt—simple, essential, and true. He misunderstands and casts her out. The girl makes a plain cloak of rushes to hide her identity and finds work in another household. She works hard, stays kind, and keeps her dignity even when treated as small. In time, her true self shines through, and the meaning of her words is understood. The story moves from hurt to healing, reminding children that honesty can be quiet, and that being seen may take time.

Story Excerpt

There was once a very rich gentleman who lived in a fine house, with fields that rolled out green and wide. He had three daughters, and he was proud of them—proud of their good manners, their pretty dresses, and the way they sat beside him at table. One day, though, a curious thought came into his mind. He wanted to know, truly know, how much his daughters cared for him. So after supper, when the candles were lit and the room was warm, he called them close. He turned to the eldest first. “How much do you love me, my dear?” She lifted her chin and answered quickly, as if she had been waiting for such a question. “Why, I love you as I love my life.” “That’s good,” said her father, pleased. Then he turned to the second daughter. “How much do you love me, my dear?” She smiled sweetly. “Better than all the world.” “That’s good,” he said again, more pleased still. At last he looked at the youngest, who had been listening quietly. “And how much do you love me, my dear?” She thought for a moment. She wanted to say something true—something that meant steady love, useful love, the kind you notice every day. So she said, “I love you as fresh meat loves salt.” Her father’s face changed at once. “Salt?” he said, as if the word itself had insulted him. “Is that all? You don’t love me at all, then. You shall not stay in my house another day.” Before the youngest daughter could explain, he sent her away. The great door closed, and the sound of it echoed in her ears. She stood outside with the evening wind on her cheeks, holding herself very still so she would not cry too loudly.

In One Glance