A noblewoman, Dame Clementina, lives a humble life as a dairywoman after marrying against her father's wishes, leading to her disinheritance. She has a daughter, Nan, who enjoys the flower garden and learns about the magical properties of dill from her mother. The sprig of dill, when placed over the door with a specific verse, is said to protect against envious or ill-disposed individuals. One day, after Nan pins the dill and verse above their door, a series of envious villagers and even a count, who is Clementina's estranged father, find themselves unable to enter the cottage. They are rooted to the spot due to their envy, causing chaos and distress for both mother and daughter. As the day progresses, more people become trapped outside, leading to a comical yet troubling situation. Clementina and Nan attempt to care for the stranded villagers, providing them with milk porridge while they wait for a solution. The situation escalates when it begins to rain, and the villagers are left standing in the yard with umbrellas, unable to leave. The count, unaware of the enchantment, also becomes stuck when he expresses envy for Nan. Eventually, a friend of the family, Dame Elizabeth, arrives and suggests removing the sprig of dill and the verse. This simple solution allows everyone to leave, and the villagers learn a valuable lesson about envy. The count recognizes his daughter and granddaughter, leading to a reconciliation. He decides to amend his will, allowing Clementina and Nan to live in the castle, where they enjoy a life of wealth and happiness. Despite their newfound fortune, Nan keeps the sprig of dill and the verse hidden away, having learned the importance of humility and the dangers of envy. The story concludes with a sense of resolution and the understanding that true happiness does not come from material wealth but from love and family.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1880 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Fairy Tale