Part 5 (2/2)

_Cinderella_ (_runs out, and returns with the pumpkin_). I've found it!

Here it is!

[Ill.u.s.tration]

_Fairy G.o.dmother._ Yes, that is a fine pumpkin. I'll touch it with my wand. What is it now?

[_The pumpkin is changed to a carriage._]

_Cinderella._ Oh! oh! how lovely! Such a beautiful, big, yellow coach!

Why, it is much finer than papa's black carriage.

_Fairy G.o.dmother._ I am glad you like your coach. Now do you think there are any rats in your rat trap?

_Cinderella._ I'll go see. Yes, here is the trap with two big rats in it. What long tails they have!

_Fairy G.o.dmother._ Wait till I touch them with my fairy wand. Now what do you see?

_Cinderella._ Oh, dear G.o.dmother! what a wonderful wand to change rats into great handsome horses with long manes and tails! You dear horses!

I'll get you some sugar to eat.

_Fairy G.o.dmother._ Don't stop to pet them now, but fetch me the mousetrap.

_Cinderella._ Here it is with two cunning little mice in it. What will you do with them?

_Fairy G.o.dmother._ Touch them with my fairy wand and turn them into a coachman and a footman. See, the coachman is on the box with the reins in his hand, and the footman holds the door open for you. Will you step in, Cinderella?

_Cinderella._ In _these_ clothes, dear G.o.dmother?

_Fairy G.o.dmother_ (_laughing_). That wouldn't be nice, would it? Well, let us see what my wand can do for you. Now look in the gla.s.s and tell me what you see there.

_Cinderella._ Oh, what a pretty lady! Why, I do believe she is myself!

What a beautiful dress! And look, dear G.o.dmother! see my pretty gla.s.s slippers!

_Fairy G.o.dmother._ Yes, my dear, you are all ready for the Prince's ball. I want you to have a happy time, but remember this. You must start for home when the clock strikes twelve or your pretty clothes will change, your coach will turn into a pumpkin, your horses to rats, and you will have to walk home.

_Cinderella._ I'll remember, dear G.o.dmother, and run away on the first stroke. Thank you so much! Good-by!

[_Enters the coach and is driven away._]

SCENE III.--_The Prince's Palace_

_Cinderella._ Here I am at the palace. Please announce me as the Lady from Far Away.

_Herald._ The Lady from Far Away!

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