The Milk Woman and Her Pail

A farmer's daughter was carrying her pail of milk from the field to the farmhouse when she fell into a daydream.

"The money for which this milk will be sold will buy at least three hundred eggs. The eggs, allowing for all mishaps, will produce two hundred and fifty chickens. The chickens will become ready for the market when poultry fetches the highest price. By the end of the year, I shall have enough money from my share to buy a new gown."

She imagined herself in this beautiful dress at the Christmas parties, where all the young men would propose to her. However, she planned to toss her head and refuse them all.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, she tossed her head in excitement, and down fell the milk pail to the ground. In an instant, all her imaginary schemes perished along with the spilled milk.