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Once upon a time, there was a rich man who had three daughters, each more beautiful than the other. One evening, as they sat by the fire, their father asked how much they loved him. The eldest said she loved him as much as life itself. The second said she loved him as much as all the jewels in the world. But the youngest, who was gentle and thoughtful, said quietly that she loved him as much as fresh meat loves salt. Her father frowned, thinking she made fun of him, and his pride turned into anger. He shouted that since she thought so little of him, she must leave his house and never return. The poor girl wept and begged for forgiveness, but he drove her out into the cold night.
She wandered through the fields, heartbroken and alone, until she came to a wide marsh filled with tall rushes. She cut down armfuls of them and wove a long cloak that covered her from head to toe. Then she hid her golden hair under the hood and tied it with a string of grass. She looked so strange and poor that no one could recognize her. From that day on, she called herself Cap O’ Rushes. The next morning, she walked far until she reached a grand house by the river. The servants there were busy, and she asked if they needed help. They laughed at her strange dress but said she could work in the kitchen, scrubbing pots and sweeping the floor.
Cap O’ Rushes worked hard every day and never complained. Though she was treated as a servant, her manners and gentle ways made even the cook like her. In the evenings, when the other maids rested, she sat quietly by the hearth. One day, the family who owned the house held a great ball. The master’s son, a handsome young man, invited all the servants to watch from the gallery. Cap O’ Rushes asked if she might go too, but the cook said, “You, with your rushes? Stay and wash the dishes.” When everyone left, Cap O’ Rushes ran to her small room. From a little box she carried, she took out a fine silk gown, more beautiful than any princess’s dress, and a pair of shining shoes. When she put them on, she looked like a fairy.
She went to the ball, and everyone turned to look at her. No one knew who she was. The young master saw her and could not take his eyes off her. He asked her to dance, and she agreed, smiling softly. They danced until the night grew late, and then she slipped away before anyone could follow. She ran back to her room, took off the fine clothes, hid them safely, and put on her rushes again. The others returned, talking excitedly about the mysterious lady at the ball. The cook laughed and said, “That wasn’t you, Cap O’ Rushes. You were here the whole time!” Cap O’ Rushes only smiled and said nothing.
The next night there was another ball. Once more, when the others left, she dressed in even lovelier clothes and went to the dance. The young master was waiting for her. He danced with her all night, asking who she was and where she came from, but she only said, “I come from where people love not wisely, but too well,” and slipped away before the lights went out. Again she changed her clothes and returned to her duties as if nothing had happened. The young master searched for her everywhere, but no one knew who she was.
On the third night, the ball was grander than ever. Cap O’ Rushes put on her most beautiful gown, with jewels that shone like stars. When she entered, everyone stopped talking, for she looked like a queen. The young master ran to her at once. They danced and laughed, and his heart grew full of love. But as the clock struck midnight, she slipped from his arms and ran out. This time, he followed her. She fled through the corridor and out into the courtyard. As she hurried to hide her gown, one of her shoes fell off and landed on the stone steps. The young man picked it up and vowed he would never rest until he found her.
He told his father he would marry only the lady whom the shoe would fit. The next day, he sent messengers to every house, asking the young women to try it on. Many tried, but none could wear it, for it was small and dainty. Finally, they came to the house where Cap O’ Rushes worked. The cook laughed and said, “That’s for fine ladies, not for the likes of her.” But the messenger insisted that all must try. So Cap O’ Rushes slipped off her rough shoe and put on the tiny one. It fitted her perfectly. Then she drew out its mate from her pocket and smiled. Everyone gasped. The young master was called, and when he saw her, his eyes lit with joy.
Cap O’ Rushes went to her room, took off her rushes, and came out dressed in her shining gown. The young man took her hand and said, “You are the one I have searched for. Will you marry me?” She said yes, and there was great celebration. The cook, who had once mocked her, now looked at her in wonder. The wedding feast was arranged, and lords and ladies from far and wide came to see the bride. Cap O’ Rushes asked that she might prepare one dish herself, and the servants laughed but allowed her to do it. She cooked a fine piece of meat and seasoned it with no salt at all. When it was brought to the table, everyone took a bite, but they frowned, for it had no flavor.
Her father was among the guests, though she had not told him who she was. When he tasted the meat, he shook his head sadly and said, “This food is tasteless. It wants salt.” Cap O’ Rushes came close to him and said gently, “So does the love of a daughter when her father does not understand.” The man looked up in surprise. She lifted her veil, and he saw her face. He cried out in joy and sorrow, realizing she was his lost child. He begged her forgiveness, and she forgave him at once, holding his hands with tears in her eyes. Everyone at the table wept to see them reunited.
After that, the feast was merry indeed. The father stayed with his daughter for many days, blessing her and her new husband. The young master and Cap O’ Rushes lived in great happiness and kindness. She never forgot her days of hardship and always helped the poor who came to her door. The servants who once mocked her now served her with love, for she treated them all gently. In time, her father gave her his estate, and peace was between them for the rest of their lives.
Years passed, and the story of the girl who loved her father as meat loves salt spread through the land. People told their children that love cannot always be measured by grand words, but by its truth. And whenever someone served food at a feast, they remembered to season it well, smiling at the thought of Cap O’ Rushes, the girl in the cloak of reeds who became a queen in spirit long before she wore a crown.