A family of nine, the Flower family, lives in a quaint house by a river, surrounded by a picturesque meadow and a mountain. The father, an unappreciated poet, has a unique philosophy that everything should match harmoniously, including the names of his children, which reflect their characteristics. The family works hard to maintain their home and garden, finding joy in their labor and love for one another. One day, after a rainstorm, the father expresses a longing for the mythical Pot of Gold at the end of a rainbow, which he believes could change their lives. His daughter, Flax, intrigued by the idea, decides to seek out the Pot of Gold herself. She asks her mother for a holiday to explore the mountain, and despite concerns about an impending storm, her mother allows her to go. As Flax ventures into the woods, she hears the leaves whispering the words of her father's poem about the Pot of Gold. Determined, she races toward a tall pine tree where she believes the rainbow touches the ground. Despite the storm, she reaches the tree just as the rainbow appears, revealing the Pot of Gold at its base. Expecting to find treasure, Flax instead discovers that the pot reflects images of her family and home, showing their love and happiness. Overwhelmed with joy, she rushes back home to share her experience. However, her father, skeptical of her claim, insists she must be mistaken about the true nature of the Pot of Gold. Flax, undeterred, embraces her family, realizing that the true treasure lies in their love and togetherness rather than material wealth. The story concludes with Flax feeling content, suggesting that she may have indeed found the true Pot of Gold, despite her father's doubts.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1910 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Fable