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INDERELLA went into the kitchen where her godmother was waiting for her.

“So there you are,” said the old woman. “I was just getting anxious about you. I thought you might have been tempted to disregard my warning, which would have been a great disaster. Did you enjoy yourself at the ball?”

“Oh, godmother,” cried Cinderella, her eyes sparkling, “it was lovely, and I would have liked to stay there for ever. The Prince was so kind to me and paid me such honour that one would have thought I was the greatest lady in the land. There is to be another ball to-morrow night, and the Prince has invited me. I should so much like to go.”

“Well, we will see about that,” said her godmother. “But be very careful what you say to your stepsisters. Do not let your excitement run away with you, or you will spoil everything.”

Just then there came a loud knocking at the door. It was the sisters returning. The old woman stepped back and vanished up the chimney, and Cinderella ran to let the sisters in.

“Heigho!” she said, rubbing her eyes and yawning as though she had just awakened from sleep. “How late you are! You must be tired out.”