The Fairy's Mistake                                By:  Gail
Carson Levine                    If every time you spoke, a
jewel fell out of your mouth, would you be happy?  It all began
when Rosella went to the well to fetch water. There was a
thirsty old woman there, so Rosella gave her a drink.  Since the
woman was the fairy Ethelinda, she gave Rosella a reward.  Every
time Rosella spoke, a jewel fell out of her mouth.  When her
sister, Myrtle, saw this, she ran to the well looking for the
old woman.  All she saw was a knight.  Since he was actually the
fairy in disguise, and Myrtle treated him poorly, Myrtle was
cursed.  Every time she spoke, a reptile or insect fell out of
her mouth.  She soon learned how to use this to her advantage. 
If a shopkeeper didn't give her what she wanted for free, she
spoke.                       Meanwhile, Rosella was in the
garden singing when the Prince came.  He told her he wanted to
marry her.  Unfortunately, it was just for her jewels.  Every
time she spoke, her maids wou