Long, long ago, in a town named Esher, there lived a small girl named Balthilda. She lived in a small hut nearby the woods with her parents. Her father was a very hard working woodcutter. Every morning, her father would leave to the woods quite early and would return only after sunset. But every other day without fail, he bought her some cakes, muffins or some cheese when he returned home.  On some days her mother would pack lunch for her father which little Balthilda would carry to the woods. There,  under the shade of the trees she would have a delightful meal with her father.
While at home, her mother taught her how to dust the walls, sweep the floors, tend to the hens and make butter out of curd. Quickly little  Balthilda also learnt how to make tea and cook eggs. One day, when her father was at home, she silently crept to his side and whispered in her tender voice ‘Father, would you like to have some tea? I could even cook eggs to go with the tea if you want.’
Her father gave a hearty laughter and said  ‘Whoever taught you eggs go well with tea. Make me some tea and give me a piece of cake from the stock I got from market yesterday child.’
‘Yes Father.’ Said Balthilda and tip toed to the kitchen where her mother was cooking dinner.
‘Mother, will you let me make some tea for Father?’
Her mother held her in one arm and kissed her before giving her way to use the stove.
‘Do you also want some tea Mother?’ Balthilda chirped with her sweet voice.
‘Absolutely, if you don’t mind making some for me. Let me get the cakes out.’
‘Mother, please let me take them out. I want to prepare everything by my own for today’s teatime.’ She pleaded.

 Her mother nodded in agreement and sat at one corner of the kitchen, keeping an eye on Balthilda while she made tea and poured them into three little cups. Then she took out some pieces of cake and arranged them in three little plates. She then placed the cups and plates in a tray and walked out of the kitchen, signaling her mother to follow.

The three had a merry tea time that evening. Father was quite proud of Balthilda’s interest in all household chores. But he also wanted Balthilda to be educated properly. He suggested that she went to his aunt’s house in heart of the town and lived there throughout the week to help his aunt with all household chores while she learnt to read and write along with the children his aunt taught.

‘No Father. I shall not leave you and mother here. I would be miserable if I did.’ At this her father assured that twice during the week he would bring his mother along to visit her and Balthilda’s could come back home during the weekend and spend all her time with them. He also promised her that if she agreed, he would stop working on weekends and would take Balthilda and her mother out on fishing, picnic and to other places every Sunday.

‘I will think about it and tell you at supper, Father.’ She said and ran behind her mother to help her in the kitchen.

At supper, the three sat around a small table. Balthilda had a small chair in which she snuggly fitted. Her mother had made her favourite potato stew with bread. Balthilda usually sat down for supper with her doll Wicca. While she relished her dinner along with her doll, her father brought up the topic again.

‘You know Balthilda, you would be rewarded with money for all the work you do at Aunt Athelda’s home. You can save up that money and buy a little dollhouse or make your own too.’
‘Can I save enough to buy us a new home, Father?’ She asked as her eyes lit with excitement.
‘What’s wrong with this home child?’
‘Nothing Father, but if we had a home made of stone instead of woods, in the town then we would have enough money and you wouldn’t have to work very hard cutting woods every day, Father.’

‘Yes , Child. When you learn quite a bit and grow up, you could become a teacher or headmistress. Then, you could have your own home in the town and invite us to live there with you, if you please. But at first, you need to work hard and study.’
‘Alright, Father. I shall go to Aunt Athelda’s home to learn. When do I leave, Father?’
‘I will take you there sometime this week child. Now eat your supper in peace.’ He said content with her decision.

Pearls of tears rolled down her mother’s cheeks. She wiped it silently and kissed Balthilda’s forehead. That night both her parents tugged her in for bed and read her favourite bed time stories to her till she slept, holding Wicca safely in her arms.