Dramatic Reader for Lower Grades. Florence Holbrook

both go with me to buy your dresses and slippers.

      Cinderella. Dear papa, may I go to the ball at the Prince's palace?

      Father. You, my child! Aren't you too young for parties? Ask your mother.

      Cinderella. May I go to the ball, mother?

      Mother. Nonsense, child! what are you thinking of? A ball is no place for a child like you. You are better off at home by the kitchen fire.

      Cinderella. But I'm fourteen. Sister Katherine, won't you coax mamma to let me go?

      Katherine. No, indeed, I'll not! What would you do at a ball? a silly thing like you!

      Elizabeth. Don't be a goose. Wait till you're older and better looking. There's no room in the carriage for you, and you are too young, anyway.

      Mother. Come, girls, it is time for us to go down town to buy our new gowns. Cinderella, go to your lessons. Don't think any more about the ball. You can't go, and so that's the end of it.

Scene II.—Cinderella's Home

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      Father. Come, girls! aren't you ready yet? Is your mother coming?

      Katherine. Yes, father, in just a minute.

      Mother. Here we are, dear. Don't the girls look sweet?

      Father. Yes, yes! but, come on, for we are late now.

      Mother. Good night, Cinderella. Be a good girl and go to bed at nine o'clock.

      [All go out, leaving Cinderella alone.]

      Cinderella. Good-by!—Now they have gone and I am all alone. Oh, why couldn't I go, too! How pretty they all looked! I would not take up much room, and I don't like to be left here by myself when they are having such a good time. Oh, dear! I believe I'm going to cry, but I can't help it. [Cries.]

      [Enter fairy godmother.]

      Fairy Godmother. Why are you crying, Cinderella?

      Cinderella. Who is that? I thought I heard some one speaking to me, but I can't see anybody.

      Fairy Godmother. What is the matter, Cinderella?

      Cinderella. Oh, lovely lady! who are you?

      Fairy Godmother. I am your fairy godmother, my child, and I wish to know why you are crying.

      Cinderella. Oh, dear! I'm crying because they have all gone to the ball; and I wanted to go, too, and they wouldn't take me!

      Fairy Godmother. Never mind, my dear. Stop crying, and I will let you go.

      Cinderella. Oh, dear fairy godmamma! will you, really? But how can I go in this old dress?

      Fairy Godmother. You'll see. Tell me, Cinderella, have you a big yellow pumpkin in the kitchen garden?

      Cinderella. Yes, I think so. I saw one there yesterday.

      Fairy Godmother. Go, get it for me.

      Cinderella (runs out, and returns with the pumpkin). I've found it! Here it is!