Page:History of Cinderella, or, The little glass slipper (1).pdf/9

 laced liveries, and stood side by side as cleverly as if they had been used to nothing else the whole of their lives.

The fairy then said to Cinderella, “Well, my dear, is not this such an equipage as you could wish for to take you to the ball? Are you not delighted with it ?” “Y-e-s,” replied Cinderella with hesitation; “but must I go hither in these filthy rags?”

Her godmother touched her with the wand and her rags instantly became the most magnificent apparel, ornamented with the most costly jewels in the whole world. To these she added a beautiful pair of glass slippers, and bade her set out for the palace.

The fairy, however, before she took leave of Cinderella, strictly charged her on no account whatever to stay at the ball after the clock had struck twelve; telling her that, should she stay but a single moment after that time, her coach would again become a pumpion, her horses mice, her footmen lizards, and her fine clothes be changed to filthy rags.

Cinderella did not fail to promise all her godmother desired of her; and, almost wild with joy, drove away to the palace.

As soon as she arrived, the king’s son, who had been informed that a great princess whom nobody knew, was come to the ball.