CINDERELLA


Once upon a time, there was a proud, selfish woman who had three
daughters. The youngest was prettier than her sisters, and they were
jealous of her beauty. They made her do all the housework, while they
went to parties and balls.

The girl washed the dishes and swept the floors. She tended the fire and
fed the parrot whose cage hung by the kitchen window. She spent so much
time among the ashes and cinders, that her sisters called her
Cinderella.

Now it happened that the king was to give a ball, in honor of the young
prince. Cinderella's mother and sisters were invited.

How pleased they were to receive the invitation! They could think of
nothing but the fine clothes they intended to wear.

They sent for the best dressmaker they could find. The oldest sister
chose a pink silk gown. "I shall wear my red satin cloak trimmed with
swan's-down," said she.

The second sister chose a gown of green velvet, saying, "The green
velvet will show my diamonds to advantage."

The night of the great ball came at last. Cinderella helped her sisters
to dress.

"Do you not wish that you were going to the ball?" said one of them.