was a very sweet-tempered, good girl, however, and everybody (except
her cruel sisters) loved her.

[Illustration: CINDERELLA AT HOME.]

It happened, when Cinderella was about seventeen years old, that the
King of that country gave a ball, to which all ladies of the land,
and among the rest the young girl's sisters, were invited. And they made
her dress them for the ball, but never thought of allowing her to go
there.

[Illustration: CINDERELLA DRESSING HER SISTERS FOR THE BALL.]

"I wish you would take me to the ball with you," said Cinderella,
meekly.

"Take you, indeed!" answered the elder sister, with a sneer; "it is no
place for a cinder-sifter: stay at home and do your work."

When they were gone, Cinderella, whose heart was very sad, sat down and
cried bitterly; but as she sat sorrowful, thinking of the unkindness of
her sisters, a voice called to her from the garden, and she went out to
see who was there. It was her godmother, a good old Fairy.

"Do not cry, Cinderella," she said; "you also shall go to the ball,
because you are a kind, good girl. Bring me a large pumpkin."

Cinderella obeyed, and the Fairy, touching it with her wand, turned it
into a grand coach. Then she desired Cinderella to go to the trap, and
bring her a rat. The girl obeyed, and a touch of the Fairy's wand turned
him into a very smart coachman. Two mice were turned into footmen; four
grasshoppers into white horses. Next, the Fairy touched Cinderella's
rags, and they became rich satin robes, trimmed with point lace.
Diamonds shone in her hair and on her neck and arms, and her kind
godmother thought she had seldom seen so lovely a girl. Her old shoes
became a charming pair of glass slippers, which shone like diamonds.

"Now go to the ball, my love," she said, "and enjoy yourself. But
remember, you must leave the room before the clock strikes _eleven_. If
you do not your dress will return to its original rags. I approve of
pleasure, but not of dissipation, and I expect that you will show your
gratitude by obeying me."

Cinderella kissed and thanked her godmother. Then she stepped into her
coach and drove off, with her footmen behind, in great style. The Fairy,
when she was gone, returned to Fairyland.

Cinderella was received at the King's palace with great respect. The
Lord Chamberlain bowed low to her, thinking she must be a very great
lady by her dress and carriage, and he showed her at once into the
ball-room.

[Illustration